It’s a busy life for students, most of which is spent inside, penning essays and listening to lectures. But just because they’re stuck indoors, doesn’t mean they can’t reap the benefits that foliage has to offer.

Previous studies have shown that indoor plants offer psychological and restorative benefits for individuals, including reducing tension, and increased coping mechanisms, concentration and attention.

Researchers have also previously found that the inclusion of houseplants in homes and workplaces  reduce eye irritation and stress, increase levels of motivation and concentration, and reduce air impurities. The positive effect continues by way of healing physical ailments, such as headaches, fatigue and dry skin.

And now, new studies by Texas researchers are showing that this same impact benefits student performance in the classroom. Jennifer S. Doxey and Tina Marie Waliczek from the Department of Agriculture, Texas State University, and Jayne M. Zajicek of the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, recently published a study surrounding the impact of plants in university classrooms.

A recent issue of HortScience outlined their investigation on the impact of plants on  both coursework and the students’ perception of the course and professors.

The study analyzed two classes of the same coursework, in the same room, taught by the same professor. A total of 385 students were a part of the study, attending classes that contained either a room filled with tropical plants or a room plant-free.

Students completed surveys at the end of the semester, and researchers found that despite little change in academic performance, significant differences were found in areas concerning”learning”, “instructors’ enthusiasm”, and “instructors’ organization”. Students from the plant-group rated these items higher on the satisfaction scale.

The results showed that plans had the greatest impact on students who were in the classroom that had no other natural elements, as well as that they may be a better solution to window-rich environments.

Undoubtedly a great idea for all schools, let your childrens’ teachers know the scoop, and make their classrooms rich with plants, flowers, and, as a result, better brainwaves.

No green thumb? No problem. Check out: The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual: Essential Gardening Know-How for Keeping (Not Killing) More Than 160 Indoor Plants.

Image courtesy of lakeshorelearning.com
Source: ScienceDaily

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