❓ A WA parliamentary question explores the effectiveness of blackboards versus whiteboards and the impact of natural light on learning, with the Minister responding that no specific WA research exists on blackboard effectiveness, but new schools are designed to maximize natural light while adhering to Australian Standards.
AnsweredQoN 2959Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is there any evidence to suggest that blackboards are more effective learning tools in classrooms than whiteboards?
(2) Is the Minister aware of claims that there is a 20% improvement in learning abilities in natural light as compared with artificial light?
(3) If yes to either question, what is the Department of Education and Training doing to incorporate these findings into classroom design and construction?
(2) Is the Minister aware of claims that there is a 20% improvement in learning abilities in natural light as compared with artificial light?
(3) If yes to either question, what is the Department of Education and Training doing to incorporate these findings into classroom design and construction?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 August 2004
Responded by
Minister for Education and Training
Response time
63 days
(1) - (3)
No research has been conducted in Western Australia to determine that blackboards are more effective learning tools than whiteboards. New schools in Western Australia are normally provided with chalkboards in combination with whiteboards to enable teachers to use a wide range of learning tools.
New schools may request that chalkboards not be provided but more whiteboards and display boards. The decision often rests with the Principal and teachers at the school.
Studies into the impact of natural light on learning abilities suggests there is a causal link. Schools in Western Australia are designed to use natural light as a major element in establishing the optimum learning climate. Some specialist areas such as Visual Arts require a great deal of natural light while other areas such as Drama and Media need greater control over the amount of ambient light available. Schools in Western Australia are subject to and meet all relevant Australian Standards and codes in respect to lighting requirements.
No research has been conducted in Western Australia to determine that blackboards are more effective learning tools than whiteboards. New schools in Western Australia are normally provided with chalkboards in combination with whiteboards to enable teachers to use a wide range of learning tools.
New schools may request that chalkboards not be provided but more whiteboards and display boards. The decision often rests with the Principal and teachers at the school.
Studies into the impact of natural light on learning abilities suggests there is a causal link. Schools in Western Australia are designed to use natural light as a major element in establishing the optimum learning climate. Some specialist areas such as Visual Arts require a great deal of natural light while other areas such as Drama and Media need greater control over the amount of ambient light available. Schools in Western Australia are subject to and meet all relevant Australian Standards and codes in respect to lighting requirements.
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