In this issue we'll look at The Environment of Color and Cognition.

Considering painting this summer? The colors of spring and summer are upon us and I couldn't help but think about their powerful effects on the brain and cognition. Color researchers Shaie and Heiss noted as early as 1964 that regardless of age or cultural background, short-wavelength colors - what we commonly call the warm colors (red, orange and yellow) are highly arousing, although not necessarily pleasing. Conversely, longer wavelength hues - what we commonly call the cool colors (blues and greens) have a calming, relaxing effect. The majority of people, the researchers noted, identify cool colors as the most pleasant. 

Robson (1999) reported that people who were exposed to a red environment perceived their time spent there to be shorter than those exposed to a blue environment, even though the actual time was the same in both instances. This finding concurs with past studies, which found that short-wavelength colors, when compared to their cool counterparts, elicit a higher degree of stimulation and tension in subjects.

Colors are also being used with success as stress reducers, especially in health-care facility design. Along with lighting, signage, noise control, and other design elements, appropriate use of color has been found to have a profound influence on patient and family well-being (Lozonov, 1979, Fransca-Beaulieu, 1999).

In reading the research and connecting it to Quantum Learning, I suggest the following when using color markers on flip charts and whiteboards, when making color posters, as well as in your school rooms.

• General:
• best color is sky-blue tinged with red for general notes - this combination is conducive to thoughtful study, but also to alertness
• remember the importance of using two or more colors together - the brain likes the contrast and remembers longer when we use two or more colors
• Cafeterias: best color is a light purple, which is known in the restaurant industry as a tranquilizing color that is good for the appetite.
• Gyms: best colors are yellow, orange and coral, which represent the energizing hues.
• Production areas: best color is green, which is known in factories to enhance production and performance.

Remember to encourage learners and employees to add color to reports, presentations, homework notes, classroom notes, test study notes and visual displays for better recall.

Sources:

Birren, Faber. 1978. Color and Human Response. New York: Van Norstrand Reinhold

Boyatzis, C.J. and R.Varghes. 1994. Children's emotional associations with colors. Journal of Genetic Psychology. March: 155 (1): 77-85

Fransca-Beaulieu, K. 1999. Interior design for ambulatory care facilities: How to reduce stress and anxiety in patients and families. Journal of Ambulatory Care Management. January: 22 (1): 67-73

Robson, Stephani. 1999. Turning the tables: The psychology of design for high-volume restaurants. Cornell University Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly. June: 40 (3): 56-65

The purpose of the QL Club is to continue to look for what works as we deepen our understanding, practice ideas, and develop mastery of skills in QL and as professional educators. You can read past issues of QL Club at www.QLN.com – QL Education – QL Implementation Plan – QL Club.

Our next QL Club newsletter will be out in September ... meanwhile, we wish you a great summer break! Thank you for another year of making a difference in the lives of your students and staff!