Most of us would agree that the vibe of a classroom is immediately shifted once that big light is turned on. Classrooms with lamps, LED lights, and natural light often have a more welcoming and safe atmosphere, allowing for easier learning and an overall positive environment.

Studies have been done to prove that artificial lighting is extremely harmful to student learning. Natural light has been found to stimulate better learning in students and provide a calmer setting (How Light Impacts Psychology & Mood in Education).
For most students, the big light is distracting. It shines down so bright you can’t even think straight.

“I have really sensitive eyes and get headaches, so when a teacher leaves the big light on, it’s really hard for me to do my work. I prefer natural lighting since it isn’t as harsh,” said Cooper Stalkfleet, sophomore.

The big light is mainly seen as a negative rather than a positive aspect of classrooms. Whether it’s just student preference or the lights genuinely prevent learning, they cause a major disturbance.

“I can think more easily when the lights are dim. The big light is just too harsh, so I would much rather prefer lamps or string lights because they aren’t as bright,” shared Isa Gonzalez Reyes, sophomore.

Some students enjoy specific lighting, like lamps and other small sources of light, as they don’t cause as much of a distraction.

“I hate the big light. It’s way too distracting and doesn’t help me focus at all. I like rooms that are dim and cozy, and it helps with my glasses,” said Brielle Tolle, freshman.

Of course, the big light can’t always be shut off in every single class. Some students just prefer the lighting to reflect what they’re learning.

“I like it when the lighting is aligned with what I’m doing in class. When I’m learning something new or difficult, I would prefer for the big light to be on so it forces me to be like ‘okay I’m doing this,’ but when I’m doing independent work, I would much rather have the lights off or really dim, so I feel more at ease and do my work,” said Ella Maynard, senior.

Moving forward, we can’t shut off the big lights forever. In most instances, if the teacher asked the class what their preference for lighting was, it could prevent the lack of working caused by the big light. In the end, it’s the teacher’s choice. Should classrooms be dim-lit and cozy? Should classrooms continue using the big light? What do you think?