The influence of bamboo charcoal on learning environment

This study was performed on students (elementary, junior high school and high schools) who attend cram schools to evaluate how various types of wall material influence on their learning and general impressions. Students attend cram schools to improve their academic skills, demonstrate better grades through routine testing, and to pass entrance exams to get into high schools and universities of their choice. Another role of cram schools is providing an environment where learning can take place. The number of cram schools offering rooms and spaces for quiet independent study is increasing. These schools are now required to provide a space where students can study comfortably for long hours. We therefore, created a study room with interchangeable wall material, based on our belief in the connection between wall material and better grades. Among various wall materials, we focus on the bamboo charcoal that has beneficial effects such as deodorizing, humidity control and shielding electromagnetic waves. Bamboo charcoal is used in a variety of fields including environmental and medical for its numerous benefits. Among those, application of bamboo charcoal in residential environments is drawing much attention. It has been used beneath floors to adjust humidity in Japan, which has very high humidity. Its recent application in interiors has boosted the development of bamboo carbon paneling and cardboard. In this study, we surrounded the walls (except the ceiling) of the cram schools attended by many of the students with bamboo carbon paneling or boards. The students are allowed to study freely in this space. We tracked the transitions of their grades and assessed their impressions while they were studying in this space.