Clever Classrooms research shortlisted for national award
Clever Classrooms research shortlisted for national award
Thursday 23 July 2015
Research concerning the impact of classroom design conducted by Professor Peter Barrett from the School of Built Environment has been recognised by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) Green Gown Awards 2015.
The research was published in the 'Clever Classrooms' report in February 2015. The report has been shortlisted in the category for Research and Development finalists. This year, 157 applications were received across 14 categories.
Now in its 11th year, the Green Gown Awards initiative recognises the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities, colleges and the learning and skills sectors across the UK.
With sustainable development moving up the global agenda, the Awards are established as the most prestigious recognition of sustainability excellence within the tertiary education sector, as well as the environmental sector.
When the Clever Classrooms report was originally published i it received widespread media interest, which has continued. It has also received interest from several Governments around the world, including the Department for Education in the UK, the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training, and joint working with the Australian Council for Educational Research, the Paris-based OECD and the US Green Building Council.
The report was based on the results of the HEAD Project (Holistic Evidence and Design), which was undertaken by the University and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
It showed, for the first time, clear evidence that well-designed primary school classrooms can boost children’s learning progress in reading, writing and maths by as much as 16% in single year.
Good natural light, temperature, air quality, individualised classroom design and a mid-level of visual stimulation through the use of colour and complexity were revealed to be among the biggest physical factors impacting on pupils’ learning progress.
Peter and his research team, from the School of the Built Environment, spent three years collecting data on 3766 pupils and carrying out detailed surveys of the 153 classrooms they occupied – from 27 very diverse schools across three local authorities – Blackpool County Council, Hampshire Council and the London Borough of Ealing Council.
The winners will be announced at the Green Gown Awards Ceremony, which takes place in Brunel’s Old Fire Station, in Bristol, on 26 November 2015.
For further information, please contact Justin Clark (Senior Press & PR Officer) on: 0161 295 5361 or j.clark@salford.ac.uk
To donwload a copy of the shortlisted Clever Classrooms report, please visit the dedicated Clever Classrooms campaign page.
Related news
Energy House plays a role in the launch of UK energy efficiency campaign #missingpiece
Tuesday 8 October 2019
The University of Salford’s Energy House has been involved in the launch of a campaign driven by Smart Energy GB and the Energy Saving Trust promoting national energy efficiency initiatives.
