A comparison of perceived learning performance of Thai university students in fan-assisted naturally ventilated and air-conditioned classrooms

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between thermal conditions and perceived learning performance (PLP) by comparing air-conditioned (AC) and fan-assisted naturally ventilated (FANV) environments. The study aimed to provide evidence to support decision-making on the use of fan-assisted natural ventilation in mixed-mode higher education buildings in hot–humid climates. A questionnaire survey on PLP and environmental comfort, including thermal comfort, visual comfort, hearing comfort, perceived air freshness and overall comfort, was conducted in seven typical classrooms. Indoor air temperatures, relative humidity and air velocity in the classrooms were also measured during the period of the survey. When comparing PLP scores between AC and FANV modes, no significant difference was found in PLP of students in the same state of thermal comfort (i.e. neutral and comfortable), except for uncomfortable groups – in which the students in FANV classrooms had significantly lower PLP than those in AC classrooms. As the visual comfort, hearing comfort and indoor air quality within the FANV classrooms were also perceived to be less comfortable compared with AC classrooms, these factors potentially cause a performance decrease among FANV students. Further research is needed on the significance of differences in PLP scores in relation to students' actual academic performance.

Keywords:

• air-conditioning
• learning performance
• natural ventilation
• Thailand
• thermal comfort

Notes

1. PMV is a thermal comfort index based on P. O. Fanger's work to determine an acceptable comfort temperature for occupants in a steady-state space (i.e. air-conditioned or heated space). The PMV index ranges from −3 cold to +3 hot (ASHRAE 2004).

2. where T _n is neutral or comfort temperature and T _out,mm is mean monthly outdoor temperature. In this study, mean outdoor air temperature (30.9°C) during the survey period was used instead of T _out,mm because the data of mean monthly outdoor temperature at the location were not available.