CONDITION OF LIGHTING OF EDUCATIONAL SPACES IN MASJED SOLEYMAN SCHOOLS, SOUTH WEST OF IRAN: ERGONOMIC PRINCIPLES

Introduction: The physical environment can contribute to children's wellbeing, happiness, creativity and developing independence. It can contribute to and express the quality of children's learning and experiences. As such, this study sought to investigate the condition of lighting of educational spaces in Masjed Soleyman schools [SouthWest of Iran] regarding ergonomic principles in the educational settings. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study and uses a survey instrument. The population included all teachers at elementary, junior and high schools of Masjed Soleyman in the academic year 2015-2016, of whom 267 people were selected as the sample of the study based on cluster sampling. The instrument of the study was a researcher-made questionnaire based on the observation checklist, consisting of 3 items, ranging in 5 degrees, and quantitatively graded from 1 to 5. The highest score and the lowest score were regarded as the most desirable and the least desirable condition of the schools' restrooms, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive [frequency, percentile, mean, and standard deviation] and inferential statistics [univariate t-test and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test] using SPSS 21. Results: The results indicated that the condition of lighting of educational spaces in Masjed Soleyman schools regarding ergonomic principles is unfavorable in appropriate use of natural and artificial light in the classroom [48%].But appropriate composition of natural and artificial light in the classroom is appropriate. [61%]. Discussion and Conclusion: The choices made in an education and care service about resources, materials, spaces, layout, air and light quality and access to a range of experiences in the indoor and outdoor, have a direct impact on the quality of learning opportunities available to children. Keywords: Ergonomics, Schools, lighting of educational spaces, Iran.