THE EFFECT OF ARTIFICIAL CLASSROOM LIGHTING ON BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of a good classroom lighting design is to create a well-lit and safe learning environment. This creates a good learning environment where the learners will have a sense of well-being and will be able to perform their visual tasks well. Natural daylight provides the best light for reading while artificial lighting comes in handy in overcast days and at night. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of artificial classroom lighting on the educational performance of public boarding secondary school students in Nairobi County, Kenya. It attempted to determine the effect of artificial classroom lighting on reading, instruction, health and their ultimate influence on secondary school students’ academic performance. The study conceptual framework illustrated a relational interconnection between artificial lighting installation technology, reading, instruction, health, and students’ academic performance.This study used a survey and experimental research designs. Stratified, objective and random sampling techniques were used to select the sample. The study adopted the dual coding theory, automatic information processing in reading theory and education productivity theory. Study results were presented in tables and graphs. The study found out that artificial classroom lighting in Nairobi County public boarding secondary schools impacted negatively on students’ academic performance. From the findings of this study, it was recommended that the government and stakeholders should install white cool fluorescent lamp fittings with high-efficiency control gear that provide dynamic focused lighting with a range of 300 to 500 lux