5 Colors In the Classroom That Will Boost Active Learning

Colors in the classroom environment that should maximize information retention, stimulate participation, and will boost active learning. But what colors are the best to achieve these results for active learning? The key to creating an environment conducive to learning in a classroom is to not over-stimulate learners.

Color can affect our feelings, memory, attention and motivation to work due to their impact on our emotions. Here are 5 colors in the classroom that you should consider such as a room’s wall color, or a select accent, such as chairs, desks or tables, depending on the intended effect.

Color - bright colors in particular - stimulate the brain and help boost memory. In the past, color was primarily used as a tool to influence early learners, but recently it’s been shown that this effect carries across all age groups. According to the College of St. Scholastica, “color does indeed have an impact on student behavior, academic performance, and feelings of well-being”. In addition to their overall influence, each color has specific traits that impact students in different ways. For example, blues and greens are often seen as calming, while reds and oranges are more invigorating. Let’s take a look at how you can incorporate color into your classroom in order to encourage learning and improve the mood of your students.

1) RED: THE ENERGIZER

Red stimulates the adrenal glands and can generate feelings of energy and encourage creativity. In your classroom, try using the color red in conjunction with repetitive or detailed oriented tasks in order to give students an energy boost.

2) YELLOW: THE ATTENTION GRABBER

When it comes to grabbing and maintaining the attention of your students, yellow is king. Yellow generates positive energy, encourages creativity and is the ultimate tool in capturing the attention of a restless classroom. Display important study materials on yellow glass boards and add splashes of the color throughout your room (try soft seating or student chairs) to promote alertness.

3) ORANGE: THE MOOD LIFTER

The color orange encourages critical thinking and memory. Studies have shown that it also has an especially high effect on circulation and the nervous system and increases the oxygen supply to the brain, stimulating mental activity while simultaneously loosening inhibitions. Be sure to bring snacks though, because it’s also been known to increase appetite!

4) GREEN: THE CALMING CONCENTRATION CATCHER

Green promotes calmness and a sense of relaxation and is great for encouraging long-term concentration. It is the most restful color for the eye and creates a feeling of ease when used in a classroom. Use large blocks of this color, like soft seating or a coordinated set of makerspace furniture, to spread a calming atmosphere throughout your class.

5) BLUE: THE PRODUCTIVITY DRIVER

The color blue has proved to have a calming effect on the heart rate and respiratory system of students. It encourages a sense of well-being, making it ideal for learning situations that are intensely challenging and cognitively taxing. Research suggests that people with highly intellectual work that requires a high cognitive load are most productive in blue environments. Try incorporating blues into your table edge banding and student desks to promote soothing productivity, no matter what the subject.

Don't be afraid to branch out and try different color combinations!