CARACTERÍSTICAS DE USO DE SALAS DE AULA DE EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL

RELAÇÃO ENTRE OCUPAÇÃO E ILUMINAÇÃO

Abstract

The physical environment is a key part of any education program and should enhance the learning processes of children. This paper aims to identify the usage and occupation characteristics of kindergarten classrooms and, the characteristics of the luminous environment during the activities, analyzing the relationship between occupied areas and the illuminance range. The data were collected through field studies in six classrooms in Florianópolis (Brazil) in 2016, with approximately 84 children. The information regarding time and occupancy characteristics of the classrooms was surveyed by behavioral observation and behavioral mapping. Illuminance measurements were conducted simultaneously to behavioral observation. The illuminance data were plotted in iso-illuminance maps and the mean illuminance values during the activities were calculated. The illuminance data and the classroom areas occupied by the children were analyzed together. The results showed that the kindergarten pedagogical model influenced the way in which the classrooms were occupied by the children. During all the activities in the classrooms, the children tended to occupy and spend more time in those areas with mean illuminance values greater than 300lux. These results could indicate the children’s preferences or their adaptation to the classroom’s luminous conditions. Even when the classroom’s usage characteristics are guided by the pedagogical models, the technical criterions of the physical facilities need to be regulated. The lack of a national standard for educational facilities enables the functioning of inadequate infrastructures which, sometimes were projected for other use.