A comparison of student performance between conditioned and naturally ventilated classrooms

• Student learning performance in AC and NV rooms was compared.
• Comfort survey data was analysed to gauge thermal satisfaction levels.
• No statistically significant differences were found in performance levels.
• Occupant satisfaction and adaptation opportunities may explain lack of difference.

This study presents a comparison of classroom learning performance between courses taught in naturally ventilated (NV) rooms and air-conditioned (AC) rooms. This is done to examine effect of thermal comfort standard followed — PMV based or adaptive thermal comfort — on learning. The same group of students, attending different courses in the two classroom types over two years, was chosen to avoid inter-student difference of aptitude and ability. Performance was measured on basis of final grades scored in the particular courses. Data from a set of transverse thermal comfort surveys was used to find levels of satisfaction prevalent amongst students about their thermal environment in the two room types. Statistical tests were carried out to do pair wise comparisons of the performance of students. Comparison results did not show significant difference in performance for the courses considered. It is concluded that ability and avenues to adapt may help maintain long term average performance over a range of thermal environments.