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Effects of Classroom Design on the Memory of University Students: From a Gender Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • María Luisa Nolé

    (Institute for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering (i3B), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Juan Luis Higuera-Trujillo

    (Institute for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering (i3B), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Carmen Llinares

    (Institute for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering (i3B), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

Abstract

Classroom design has important effects on the cognitive functions of students. However, this relationship has rarely been analysed in terms of gender. The aim of the present study, therefore, is to analyse the influence of different design variables (classroom geometry, wall colour, and artificial lighting) on university students’ memories from a gender perspective. To do so, 100 university students performed a memory task while visualising different design configurations using a virtual reality setup. Key results show that certain parameters, such as 5.23 m classroom width, 10,500 Kelvin lighting colour temperature, or the blue hue on the walls influence men and women in a similar way, while a purple hue or walls with low colour saturation can generate significantly different behaviour, especially in cognitive processes such as short-term memory. In this study, the use of virtual reality proved to be a useful tool to explore the design effects of virtual learning environments, increasingly present due to training trends and catalysed by the 2020 pandemic. This is a turning point and an international novelty as it will enable the design of classrooms (both physical and virtual) that maximise the cognitive functions of learners, regardless of gender.

Suggested Citation

  • María Luisa Nolé & Juan Luis Higuera-Trujillo & Carmen Llinares, 2021. "Effects of Classroom Design on the Memory of University Students: From a Gender Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:9391-:d:629857
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wonyoung Yang & Jin Yong Jeon, 2020. "Effects of Correlated Colour Temperature of LED Light on Visual Sensation, Perception, and Cognitive Performance in a Classroom Lighting Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Lilin Xiong & Xiao Huang & Jie Li & Peng Mao & Xiang Wang & Rubing Wang & Meng Tang, 2018. "Impact of Indoor Physical Environment on Learning Efficiency in Different Types of Tasks: A 3 × 4 × 3 Full Factorial Design Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-16, June.
    3. Carmen Llinares & Nuria Castilla & Juan Luis Higuera-Trujillo, 2021. "Do Attention and Memory Tasks Require the Same Lighting? A Study in University Classrooms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-13, July.
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