College classrooms often bear the reputation of being dull and uninspiring. Most of the time, classrooms are just rows and rows of tables, black or gray chairs used for seats, and mono-colored walls. These types of classroom environments contribute to a sense of monotony which doesn’t foster an optimal learning environment. The lack of visual stimulation can lead for students to disengage and reduce attention spans to their professors and further lead to low test averages and low academic performance in class. As classrooms are a vital part of our learning environment and the way that students engage in lectures, the classroom environment that we are in should be more engaging and vibrant and create a more stimulating atmosphere.
When it comes to learning, there are various factors that influence how we absorb and retain information. One factor that influences our learning experience and is often overlooked is the impact of colors. Colors impact the way that information is processed in our brain, so when placed in an environment that is not monotonous, the brain reacts to the colors that are in the room. For example, warmer and more vibrant colors, such as red and yellow are known to be stimulating to the brain. When we see the color red, our bodies react naturally releasing adrenaline in the brain. The adrenaline increases our blood pressure and heart rate as well, this heightened state can lead to enhanced focus and attention. It can increase quick responses to reactions and physical performances in classes. Due to the adrenaline, it creates a more collaborative space as well, as students are able to communicate and discuss more freely about the content at hand. Vibrant classroom colors such as red and yellow are attention grabbers as well, so when placed in an environment that is not so visually stimulating, it is easier for students to understand the material as it is being taught in front of them.
The other end of the color spectrum is colors that have cooler tones creating a calming and soothing effect for the mind. These colors reduce stress and anxiety within students creating a safe space for them to learn. Cooler hues such as blue and green are known to be psychologically and physiologically influencing. When seeing shades of blue and green, it creates a sense of tranquility and stability with the mind. This sense of calmness helps students memorize and understand material more than in a white-and-gray classroom environment. Physiologically, cooler colors reduce cortisol levels and increase the production of serotonin which calms the mind down even further and creates a sense of security. Cooler colors should be placed in classrooms where students need to have a lot of focus and concentration. Study halls, testing centers, and tutoring areas are also places where students benefit from having cooler tones of colors in their classroom walls and decorations.
Straying away from the monotonous walls and classroom decorations helps students excel better in the natural learning environment. Having different shades of colors for classroom walls unexpectedly serves as an intrinsic motivator to students. Brighter and more visually appealing colors stimulate classroom environments and change students’ attitude and make them more motivated to learn. These colors promote a sense of enthusiasm that further builds collaboration between students. Cooler colors create a sense of stability and calmness in the student’s mind. Blue and green incorporated into the classroom settings, helps students understand course material faster and in a calm and effective manner.
By effectively using the power of colors, it can lead to better learning outcomes in the classroom and a better understanding of harder and more challenging materials. Colors and hues play a pivotal role in enhancing cognitive processes in learning environments. They shape students’ educational experiences to be better and provide them with an extra push that enables them to be better in their classes. Whenever there is a classroom that needs renovating or a school being built, educators, teachers, and students alike should pay a little more attention to the colors of their classrooms. The slight change in detail can foster a whole different learning environment that is beneficial to all.
References:
AL‐Ayash, A., Kane, R. T., Smith, D., & Green‐Armytage, P. (2016). The influence of color on student emotion, heart rate, and performance in learning environments. Color Research & Application, 41(2), 196-205.
Mehta, R., & Zhu, R. (2009). Blue or red? Exploring the effect of color on cognitive task performances. Science, 323(5918), 1226-1229.
Ray, B. (2022, August 1). Best colors for classroom and the psychology behind it. A Tutor. https://atutor.ca/best-colors-for-classroom/
Yildirim, K., Cagatay, K., & Ayalp, N. (2015). Effect of wall color on the perception of classrooms. Indoor and Built Environment, 24(5), 607-616.
