We’ve all learned that variety can be the spice of life, but there are more reasons to consider mixing up the kaleidoscope of colors in the classroom: using vibrant colors can increase learning efficiency and success.
A study by the American Psychological Association shows that students perform five to 10 percent better on standardized pattern recognition tests that are administered in color instead of in black and white— and those students who learn in color retain information better over time.
What this means is that colors can help teachers communicate ideas to students with clarity. Color coding, for example when delivering classroom notes on a whiteboard, helps to give structure to a lesson and organize thoughts in a way that is easier for students to understand and remember
Educators can use colors in an even more targeted way to elicit certain responses from their students. Blue, green, and pink can all have a calming effect, and blue specifically can stimulate creativity. Orange has been shown to encourage critical thinking and memory. Even red, which often produces feelings of energy or threat, can improve focus and performance in detail-oriented tasks. Coding parts of lessons to targeted colors or color families may stimulate specific brain functions needed for success in different areas of study.
Expo, and its 2-in-1 dry-erase markers, are leading the movement, bringing color to the classroom and bringing lessons to life. Here are some additional resources that can help you increase your students’ success.
Classroom Resources from a True Partner in Education
Expo is a partner in success in the classroom, providing educators with a bank of resources to enhance learning. Download lesson plans for every grade level, print classroom resources, and share ideas with other teachers at their dedicated Web site for education.
Learning Doesn’t Stop when the Bell Rings
Colored markers and whiteboards are also useful for extending your classroom lessons to homework assignments. Here are some easy ways that parents can incorporate the learning experience from your classroom at home.
Get Twice the Color
With two colors in one marker, the family of Expo 2-in-1 chisel-tip dry-erase markers double your efficiency in the classroom. Instead of spending time looking for the right color, now you can simply flip your marker and continue the lesson.
