Chapter I

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Introduction

Ventilation rates in classrooms across the globe often do not meet minimum

standards. This is attributed to factors such as malfunctioning air handling equipment,

excessive air recirculation, inadequate natural ventilation, and design choices made to

save on energy costs. The consequences of inadequate ventilation include poor indoor

air quality, which has been linked to various health problems for students, including

respiratory issues, asthma symptoms, and other chronic diseases. Additionally, poor air

quality has shown negative impacts on student performance and academic achievement.

However, there is evidence associating improved ventilation rates with enhanced student

performance, reduced respiratory health effects, and lower student absences. Despite

this renewed focus, recent reports indicate that many school districts have not

implemented recommended strategies for improving airflow and ventilation, highlighting

the ongoing need for improvement in this critical area. People spend 87% of their lifetime

inside buildings, with approximately 30% of that time being spent by primary and

secondary school students in a space dedicated to their learning, which is called the

classroom. Extensive research has demonstrated the nega-tive impact of air pollution on

health and student academic accomplishments.The classroom indoor air quality (IAQ)

can influence the time students spend in classrooms and their academic performance

due to illness-related attendance. Multiple research studies have conducted

assessments of classroom IAQ, revealing problems in poorly ventilated classrooms.

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Many classrooms discussed in these studies did not have enough fresh air circulation.

The circulation was below the levels recommended by theAmerican Society of Heating,

Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)for maintaining good indoor air

quality. According to Ordway (2023), Poor indoor air quality is linked to a variety of health

problems, ranging from coughing and wheezing to more serious conditions such as

asthma and cancer. Breathing polluted air harms students’ academic performance. If

students get sick, they miss school. Studies also show that poor classroom air quality

reduces cognitive ability. The quality of the learning environment is a crucial factor in the

academic success of students worldwide. Educational researchers and policymakers

have long recognized the influence of both psychological and physical aspects of

classrooms on student outcomes. While the importance of curriculum design, teaching

methods, and technological integration often takes center stage, the physical

environment including aspects like classroom lighting, temperature, and ventilation, plays

an equally vital role. These environmental factors directly affect students' comfort levels,

engagement, and capacity to concentrate during lessons, impacting their cognitive

performance and academic achievements. In educational environments, various factors

contribute to students' learning experiences and academic concentration.

Among these factors, physical conditions within classrooms, such as

temperature, and ventilation, play a significant role in shaping students' ability to

concentrate and perform academically. Among the various components of the physical

environment, room ventilation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor that affects

not only students' health but also their ability to focus and learn. Proper ventilation

ensures adequate air circulation, maintains optimal indoor air quality, and regulates

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classroom temperature, which collectively create a more conducive learning atmosphere.

Studies in the field of environmental psychology have consistently shown that poor

ventilation can lead to high concentrations of carbon dioxide and other pollutants,

causing discomfort, fatigue, drowsiness, and even headaches. These symptoms can

hinder students' concentration and reduce cognitive function, ultimately affecting

academic performance. Research suggests that proper ventilation not only ensures a

healthier environment by reducing airborne pollutants but also supports better

concentration and cognitive performance among students.

Rooms should have ventilation, not just air conditioning. Poor air quality in the

classroom doesn’t just affect student health and wellbeing but also learning capacity

through concentration loss, tiredness and fatigue. “High concentration of CO₂ released

by the occupants of the classroom can lead to fatigue, concentration loss, and poor

learning performance. Elevated CO₂ concentrations can cause headache, sleepiness,

and tiredness.” Dr Haddad said. If we want to improve productivity in the classroom, we

need to revise the shortcomings of the building itself to enhance health, well-being and

comfort. Improving indoor thermal and environmental quality is as important as improving

the teaching material in the classroom. (Haddad, 2021)

According to Bai (2021), a ventilation system is designed to improve indoor

polluted air by introducing fresh air or by processing the indoor air to maintain the indoor

air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort at a satisfactory level that meets the standards of

residential or industrial use. Looking at the development history of building ventilation,

ventilation and building thermal processes have changed from separation to

combination; the main ventilation mode has changed from natural ventilation to
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mechanical ventilation. The ventilation control has changed from simple start-up and stop

operation of the whole system to local or overall "on-demand" control according to the

needs of control objectives.

In this context, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between

room ventilation and academic concentration among selected high school students at

Our Lady of Caysasay Academy. By focusing on this school, the research seeks to

explore whether the current ventilation systems in its classrooms support optimal

learning conditions and how they may influence students' concentration. By analyzing

how the students assess their classroom ventilation and academic concentration, seeing

if there is a significant relationship between them, and how a proposed ventilation design

be devised based on the findings.

Conceptual Framework

The study conducted by Shaughnessy (2015) entitled ”Effects of Classroom

Ventilation Rate and Temperature on Students’ Test Scores” aimed to examine the

relationship between classroom ventilation rates, indoor temperature, and students'

academic performance. Specifically, the research sought to determine whether variations

in ventilation and temperature significantly influenced test scores in subjects such as

mathematics, reading, and science. To achieve this, the researchers used a multilevel

linear mixed model (LMM) to analyze data from 3,109 fifth-grade students across 140

classrooms in 70 elementary schools in a Southwestern US school district during the

2008-2009 academic year. The study measured indoor environmental quality (IEQ)

parameters such as temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, and ventilation rates,

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using real-time monitors placed in classrooms. Additionally, demographic and

socioeconomic data, including gender, ethnic background, English proficiency,

participation in the free lunch program, and absenteeism records, were collected for each

student. The study found that most classrooms had ventilation rates significantly below

the recommended 7.1 l/s per person, with an average rate of 3.6 l/s per person. A 1 l/s

per person increase in ventilation was associated with a 7-point increase in mathematics

test scores, while a 1°C increase in indoor temperature was linked to a 13-point

decrease in scores. Overall, ventilation and temperature together explained 10% of the

variation in student performance between schools. Additionally, poor ventilation and

higher temperatures were correlated with higher absenteeism rates, further contributing

to lower academic achievement. This research highlights the critical role that classroom

environmental factors such as ventilation and temperature play in influencing student

health and academic outcomes, particularly in low-ventilation settings.

The present study is anchored on the said research. Both studies aim to identify

the relationship of room ventilation and its effect on students. The researchers used the

study as the framework for the current study, measuring the same components such as

ventilation rates. Additionally, the current study will consider the respondent’s academic

concentration instead of their performance.

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Classroom Ventilation Academic
Concentration

Proposed
Ventilation Design

Figure 1. 0

Research Paradigm

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Paradigm of the Study

Figure 1.0 shows the conceptual paradigm of the study. The box at left represents

the classroom ventilation. The box on the right represents the academic concentration of

the students, while the third box represents the desired product of the study, a proposed

classroom ventilation design.

Statement of the Problem:

The researchers aim to explore how classroom ventilation affects the academic

concentration of select students at Our Lady of Caysasay Academy. Specifically, it seeks

to answer the following questions:

1. How do the students assess room ventilation?

2. How do the students assess academic concentration?

3. Is there a significant relationship between room ventilation and academic

concentration?

4. Based on the results, how can a proposed room ventilation design be devised?

Hypothesis

There is no significant relationship between the assessment of the classroom

ventilation and academic concentration of the students.

Scope, Delimitation, Limitation

The focus of this study is to examine the impact of room ventilation on the

academic concentration of students from Our Lady of Caysasay Academy in the

academic year 2024-2025. The selected participants for this study are students from

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grades 9 to 12. A descriptive-correlational research design was utilized, with the

researcher-made questionnaire as the main data gathering instrument.

Other aspects of the classroom set-up which could be factors that might affect

students’ academic concentration were not discussed in this study. The study solely

focused on the assessments provided by grades 9 to 12 of the aforementioned school,

meaning other grade levels and students from other schools are excluded from this

study. More so, no other data gathering instrument was utilized other than the

researcher-made questionnaire.

The perceived lapse for this study is that the outcome may only be true to some

students and not for all students, considering the limitations of the data gathering

instrument utilized and the respondents considered. In addition, other factors affecting

the academic concentration of the students other than room ventilation were not

discussed and were perceived as a limitation of the study.

Significance of the Study

Through the findings of this study, the researchers can provide in-depth

knowledge on room ventilation and academic concentration. Furthermore, this study will

be beneficial to the following:

School Administrators. The findings of this research can provide valuable

insights to school administrators on the importance of proper room ventilation in

providing an optimal learning environment. By understanding how ventilation impacts

students’ ability to concentrate academically, administrators can make informed

decisions about maintaining or upgrading ventilation systems in classrooms. The study

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can serve as a guide for implementing policies aimed at improving indoor air quality,

contributing to healthier and more conducive learning spaces. Ultimately, it could lead to

better academic performance across the student body, benefiting the institution’s

reputation and educational outcomes.

Students. For students, this research highlights the significance of their learning

environment in shaping their academic success. Understanding the link between

ventilation and concentration can raise awareness among students about the impact of

physical surroundings on their ability to focus during classes. If improvements are made

based on the study's findings, students may experience enhanced concentration levels

and cognitive performance, leading to better academic achievements and overall well-

being. Moreover, students can use the study’s insights to advocate for better classroom

conditions that support their learning experiences.

Architects. The study provides architects with insights for designing learning

spaces that promote better air quality and student focus. It reinforces the need to

incorporate proper ventilation systems and natural airflow in school designs.

Engineers. Engineers can use the findings to design and implement more

efficient ventilation systems that optimize indoor air quality in schools. The study

emphasizes the role of ventilation in improving cognitive function, offering engineers a

practical basis for developing systems that balance energy efficiency with improved air

circulation in educational spaces.

Future Researchers. This study offers a foundation for future researchers

interested in exploring the relationship of environmental factors and academic

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performance. It provides data and insights that can serve as a starting point for further

investigation into other aspects of the physical learning environment, such as

temperature control, lighting, and air quality. Additionally, this research may inspire

comparative studies across different educational institutions, expanding knowledge on

how environmental variables influence student outcomes.

Definition of Terms

For better understanding of this study, the following terms are hereby defined

lexically and operationally.

Cognitive Performance. Williams (2022), defined cognitive performance as a

measure of how well our brain functions. In this study, it refers to how well students can

apply these cognitive abilities in learning environments, especially in relation to how

ventilation and classroom conditions affect their mental sharpness and academic

achievements.

Academic Concentration. Concentration is defined as the ability to give

something our undivided attention to the exclusion of other distractions (University of

Toronto, 2023). In this study, concentration refers to the ability of students to maintain

focused attention on academic tasks during classroom lessons, without being easily

distracted by external or internal factors. It is assessed based on the students’ ability to

engage in learning activities, retain information, and perform cognitive tasks effectively.

The study evaluates concentration as a variable influenced by the physical environment,

particularly classroom ventilation, and its impact on students' academic performance.

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 Ventilation System. A ventilation system is basically a combination of pipes and

ducts, fans, cooling and heating systems, and possibly air cleaning equipment

(Comprehensive Energy Systems, 2018). Operationally, the ventilation system refers to

the mechanical and/or natural processes that regulate air exchange in classroom

environments including components such as fans, ducts, and air control mechanisms

that introduce fresh air and expel stale air, maintaining air quality. This will be measured

by how students perceive its impact on students’ academic concentration.

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 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents a review of related literature and related studies after the

thorough and in-depth search done by the researchers which provide background

information and clear understanding about the concepts that surround classroom

ventilation and academic concentration.

Related Literature

To gain a better understanding of how classroom ventilation influences students’

academic concentration and how a proposed ventilation design may accommodate a

range of learning demands, the researchers thoroughly examined previous publications.

Academic Concentration. Concentration is the ability of having a steady, single-

minded attention on a topic or activity. Being able to absorb information efficiently, come

up with solutions to problems, and do well in academics and other activities makes it a

vital talent for children to acquire (Academy A, 2023).

Concentration allows individuals to understand and use the available information

or resources judiciously to solve problems more efficiently. This way, they can easily

remember, retain, recall and link the information gained from different resources.

Moreover, when students are focused, they can expand their knowledge and develop

relevant skills to excel academically (Chrysalisblog, 2022).

Concentration can be described as the intentional act of focusing your attention on

the task or activity at hand. It means being mentally present and attentive to the specific

goal you are trying to complete. The moment you change your attention to a different

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task you lose concentration and the moment this happens your learning is compromised

(Medina, 2021).

Concentration is one of the most influential decisive factors in a student's learning

quality. The higher the student's level is, the less concentration they pay in class,

especially university students. Owing to this low level of concentration ability, many

lecturers find it hard to maintain their enthusiasm when teaching students from this level,

and also those students find it hard to achieve the best outcome when graduating from

university. For that reason, this article will provide an understanding of all the distractions

that undergraduate students may have during their class. Also, the roles of a teacher will

be put into a discussion so that readers as teachers from all levels can have a better and

deeper look into this academic job, with the hope that they may find it useful for any of

their changes later if they think it is necessary so that their learners can have better

experiment with them in class. And after all the analysis, this article will suggest some

good and applicable solutions that can be applied to improve the situation. Hopefully, this

would advance the teaching and learning quality in the university environment (Hanh Le,

2021).

Poor indoor air quality in residential buildings always threatens human health,

such as sick building syndrome (SBS), respiratory diseases and low sleep quality.

Although fresh air can dilute the concentration of air pollution, the widely used natural

ventilation is uncontrolled and its ventilation rate is usually insufficient. Even in the indoor

environments of residential buildings where the mechanical ventilation system is

installed, different forms of ventilation systems have their unique problems. To create a

healthy indoor environment, this investigation proposed a novel push-relay-pull

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mechanical ventilation system (fresh air supplying system) achieved by combining the

mechanical air supply system (push), intermediate relay system (relay) and mechanical

exhaust system (pull). This investigation further quantitatively evaluated the performance

of the proposed system by comparing it with the traditional mechanical fresh air

ventilation system using the age of air, infection risk and carbon dioxide (CO2)

concentration indexes. The proposed system only needs to install one set of ducts as the

traditional mechanical ventilation systems. It can ensure that all rooms would maintain

good air quality, and also prevent the spread of pollutants, reduce the average infection

risk of people inside a residential building and are conducive to epidemic prevention and

control. (Zhao, 2023)

Synthesis

The reviewed literature collectively emphasizes the critical role of concentration in

academic success, detailing its nature, benefits, challenges, and related factors.

Concentration is defined as the focused attention on a task or activity, enabling

individuals to absorb, retain, and apply information effectively (Academy A)(Medina).

This ability is essential for problem-solving, memory retention, and skill development,

contributing significantly to students' academic performance (Chrysalisblog). Challenges

related to maintaining concentration, particularly among university students, include

distractions and low levels of engagement. These factors negatively impact learning

outcomes and teaching effectiveness, prompting the need for strategies to address these

issues. Teachers play a pivotal role in mitigating these challenges by creating engaging

learning environments and employing methods to sustain students’ focus (Hanh Le). The

review also indirectly connects environmental factors, such as indoor air quality, to

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concentration. Poor air quality in residential or educational spaces can affect cognitive

function and health, further hindering students’ ability to concentrate. Innovations in

ventilation systems, like the push-relay-pull mechanical system, demonstrate how

optimizing environmental conditions can support improved focus and overall well-being

(Zhao). Overall, the literature highlights concentration as a multifaceted concept

influenced by cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors, underscoring its

importance in enhancing academic and developmental outcomes.

Classroom Ventilation Design. Warm air is light and hence rises up. Cool air

which is heavy, enters the space left by the warm air within a room. This helps in having

wind movement. Appropriate openings at the top of the room, or at the roof level, will

allow rising warm air to escape, bringing in prevailing cooler winds into the rooms. This

will help in keeping the rooms well-ventilated as well as in maintaining cooler

temperatures inside (Kuriakose, 2023).

Natural ventilation is a practical method for reducing energy consumption in the

building sector and improves the well-being of occupants by affecting the indoor air

quality (IAQ). Nonetheless, elevated air velocity is an effective method for improving

thermal sensation in hot humid climates under certain conditions (Ameur, 2021).

There are tips on the installation of ventilation in an enclosed space. To have a

space ventilated, it takes 5-10 mins per hour. On the other hand, the time for the

discharge of air may vary according to size of the room, window and type of pollutants

indoor. In ventilation, it is much advisable to open two windows diagonal to each other at

the same time. Opening windows that are close to each other lessens the chances of air

circulating inside the room. Narrower spaces tend to let the breeze flow with ease and

15
discharges easily in a large open space. Fans should be close to windows to functionally

serve its purpose of exchanging air from inside and outside. Be reminded when a room

has no window, opening of doors is a must and use mechanical processes to accentuate

airflow. Lastly, air conditioner recycles the air inside the room making it cooler or warmer.

It only affects the room temperature, not the cycle of intake of fresh air and ventilating out

the pollutants (Daikin, 2021).

Having proper ventilation is very crucial in achieving fresh air, getting the right

amount of temperature, eliminating odors and moisture and creating air movement inside

a room which gives comfort to the occupants. Ventilation may mean heating, cooling,

filtration and humidity control. The design and classification of ventilation varies

depending on the perimeter of the building, quality of the air, level of noise, urban

structure, security requirements, internal partitions (The construction Wiki, 2021).

HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) plan is a scheme of heating and

ventilating a space. It is necessary for a structure to have HVAC, thus, it is a requirement

before any framework rises. A plan of ventilation includes mechanical and natural

process where mechanical is used for forced intake and exhaust while natural process

states the definition itself. Mechanical processes include depressurization and

pressurization which are common in buildings due its ability to balance the pressure or

air inside an enclosed space. Natural processes on the other hand adheres to physical

phenomena like wind pressure and stack effect. These two major processes are

important to a layout besides the room itself. positioning of equipment like blower,

diffuser, air filter, air conditioners are placed accordingly in a ventilation plan (Concept

Draw, 2021).

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Synthesis

The design of classroom ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy

and comfortable environment for occupants. Proper ventilation allows warm air, which

naturally rises, to escape, creating space for cooler air to flow in and maintain air

circulation. Strategic placement of openings at the top of rooms or roof levels helps in

maintaining airflow and keeping temperatures comfortable (Kuriakose). Natural

ventilation, a key component in reducing energy consumption, also enhances indoor air

quality and well-being. It is especially useful in hot, humid climates where air movement

improves thermal comfort (Ameur). Simple practices like opening windows diagonally or

positioning fans near windows can greatly enhance airflow. When mechanical systems

like air conditioners are used, it’s important to note that while they regulate temperature,

they don’t actually bring in fresh air or remove pollutants (Daikin). Good ventilation is

essential not only for temperature control but also for eliminating odors, reducing

humidity, and ensuring air movement that promotes comfort. A proper ventilation system

includes heating, cooling, filtration, and humidity control, with design elements tailored to

the building’s structure and environmental conditions (The Construction Wiki). HVAC

systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) play a vital role in both mechanical

and natural ventilation, ensuring balanced air pressure through processes like

depressurization and pressurization, which are important for maintaining indoor air

quality (Concept Draw). Effective ventilation systems help reduce pollutants like carbon

dioxide, formaldehyde, and dust, which can accumulate in enclosed spaces. These

systems are crucial for maintaining healthy air and preventing risks to the occupants’

17
health (Duraflow Industries). With this information, the researchers are able to come up

with a better more efficient ventilation design.

Room Ventilation. Ventilation is the term called for the system in which airflow is

distributed throughout a building. This uses different appliances like fans that exchange

the indoor and outdoor air to improve air quality. Ventilation reduces the pollutants inside

a room, and in addition, it controls the humidity inside a structure. It is of huge value to

have a proper ventilation system for it helps the quality of living. Ventilation can be

classified into three types of mechanical ventilation and it is crucial to have an

understanding about it (Duraflow Industries, "Understanding the 3 types of Mechanical

ventilation", 2021).

Ventilation's importance reduces and expels pollutants in a room. Pollutants like

carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, house dust, pollen, bacteria and

viruses. If a room is completely closed, air exchange will be difficult causing those

pollutants to increase, risking the health of people inside the room (Daikin “How to

Ventilate Well” 2021).

Proper ventilation carries out specific benefits. It is without doubt that fresh air is

necessary to us human beings to carry out our different activities. Unfortunately, there

are circumstances where the climate and place distinguishes the amount of fresh air

coming in. Most indoor activities have insufficient fresh air so there is a need for

ventilation. In a properly ventilated space, it has the benefits of controlled impurities, air

regulation, stops condensation, control of temperature, and especially health benefits

(Biddle, 2021).

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 There are 3 basic types of mechanical ventilation namely exhaust-only ventilation,

supply-only ventilation, balanced and ventilation. Exhaust-only ventilation tackles the

exhaustion of air from the outside and letting the fresh air inside through leaks. It is

low-cost of installation and maintenance however it can draw contamination. Supply-only

ventilation is the exact opposite of supply exhaust-only ventilation where there is a single

source of air of higher quality. On the third basic type, balanced ventilation there is a

system of in and out of air. It has the benefits of supply-only and exhaust-only combined

without many consequences. (Duraflow "Understanding the 3 types of Mechanical

ventilation, 2021).

Ventilation does not only concern safety, but it also uplift the mind and spirit. One

appliance does not work in solving the case of proper ventilation but a systematic

planned must be on hand to produce results. Just as AC's not being enough for the work

(Mod, The Atlantic, 2020).

There is a need for a crucial understanding of ventilation for there are a number of

reasons behind its importance. In a sense, structures built long ago were really leaky.

The system of insulation was not applied through the walls because of the complacent

use of fresh air that passes through all kinds of gaps, cracks and holes in the building.

The materials used in the project from back then also used natural products where it

didn't result in significant reaction to other chemicals unlike the prevalent materials used

in buildings, furnishings and belongings (BuildingGreen "6 Ways to Ventilate your Home,

2014).

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Synthesis

Room ventilation is essential for maintaining air quality and comfort in enclosed

spaces. Ventilation refers to the system that circulates air throughout a building, often

using appliances like fans to exchange indoor and outdoor air. This process helps

remove pollutants, controls humidity, and enhances overall living conditions. There are

three main types of mechanical ventilation, and understanding these systems is key to

creating an effective ventilation plan (Duraflow Industries). Proper ventilation is vital for

reducing pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, dust,

pollen, bacteria, and viruses. In spaces without proper air exchange, these pollutants can

build up, posing health risks to occupants (Daikin). The benefits of adequate ventilation

include controlled impurities, air regulation, temperature management, and significant

health advantages (Biddle). The three primary types of mechanical ventilation are

exhaust-only, supply-only, and balanced systems. Exhaust-only ventilation expels air

from inside and draws fresh air through leaks, offering a low-cost solution but potentially

introducing contaminants. Supply-only ventilation, on the other hand, provides high-

quality air from a single source. Balanced ventilation combines both approaches,

providing efficient air circulation without significant drawbacks (Duraflow). Ventilation not

only impacts health but also uplifts the atmosphere, contributing to well-being. It requires

a carefully planned system, as relying solely on appliances like air conditioners is

insufficient. The ventilation systems in older structures were often leaky, allowing for

natural airflow, but modern materials and building designs necessitate a more deliberate

approach to managing air quality (BuildingGreen). Understanding these factors is crucial

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to maintaining safe and healthy indoor environments, which allows the researchers to

properly investigate classroom ventilation and improve it based on the students’ needs.

Related Studies

The previous research that is thought to be pertinent to the current topic is

represented in this section of the study.

According to a study by Rosbach, et al (2014), it is possible to use a portable,

tailor made mechanical ventilation device to improve outdoor air supply in schools during

the heating season. In the classrooms where they intervened, they found an average

decrease of 491 ppm CO2 with, however, little difference between the two experimental

conditions. The target value of 1200 ppm was more than met, however the target value

of 800 ppm proved to be more difficult to achieve.

As said by Zaniboni (2022), Natural ventilation using features like large windows

and high ceilings, can achieve significant air exchange rates, sometimes outperforming

poorly maintained mechanical systems. For instance, older hospital designs with natural

ventilation achieved up to 40 air changes per hour (ACH), reducing infection risks more

effectively than modern mechanically ventilated systems. Indicating how natural

ventilation is better than mechanical conditioning

A study conducted by Miller (2022), explored the effects of ventilation on airborne

transmission in both clinical and non-clinical environments and analyzed practical and

efficient ventilation strategies for controlling the spread of contaminants. The findings

indicated that various ventilation strategies—mechanical ventilation (MV), natural

ventilation (NV), mixed-mode ventilation (MMV), can be effective in reducing airborne

contaminants, provided their essential design features are optimized. These

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optimizations should consider factors such as airborne transmission, particle

concentration, and infection risks in indoor spaces. The review also highlighted that

combining ventilation systems with engineering controls, such as decontamination

devices and filtration systems, can significantly lower contamination levels. However, the

effectiveness of these measures depends on their compatibility with building

functionalities and the anticipated particle size and concentration levels. The study

suggested a future direction for research focusing on shifting the ventilation paradigm

from centralized, space-based systems to occupant-specific designs to better mitigate

infection risks in indoor spaces.

Marquez et.al (2020) stated in a study they conducted that a well-ventilated

classroom contributes to a more productive and better learning environment where

students are motivated to perform better and engage more actively in class discussion,

which leads to better results overall. To ensure that the classroom climate is in the best

condition and that the room is a suitable place for learning, some recommendations were

then proposed, as follows: having spacious classrooms, doing regular maintenance,

having necessary upgrades, installing windows and additional fans, and gathering

feedback from primary users, such as teachers and students

According to the study conducted by Liu et al. (2021), the indoor thermal

environment plays an important role in the learning performance of the students. It

focused on subjective evaluation and achievement evaluation of respondents and

emphasizes the physiological state of the participants. The study aimed to determine

how air temperature and relative humidity affect undergraduate students' learning

performance. Moreover, the researchers used survey questionnaires to assess the level

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of different indoor air temperatures and relative humidity. The result showed that

emphasizing relative humidity is important when designing learning spaces. It also

concluded pupil diameter can be utilized as a physiological metric to evaluate fatigue and

distraction.

As stated in the study of Hopkins (2015), a lack of good ventilation in schools has

“demonstrably negative effects on student learning.” Research shows that ventilation and

temperature have a direct effect on student performance. The study found that the

math’s test performance of a group of over 3,000 students increased by 0.5% for each

additional liter per person of airflow rate. Their performance also improved as the

temperature decreased within a 20-25°C range. These improvements were due to lower

CO₂ concentrations and keeping the classroom at a comfortable, not too hot,

temperature.

Hama (2023) stated that the health and academic performance of children are

significantly impacted by air quality in classrooms. However, there is a lack of

understanding of the relationship between classroom air pollutants and contextual

factors such as physical characteristics of the classroom, ventilation and occupancy. We

monitored concentrations of particulate matter (PM), CO2 and thermal comfort (relative

humidity and temperature) across five schools in London. Results were compared

between occupied and unoccupied hours to assess the impact of occupants and their

activities, different floor coverings and the locations of the classrooms.

Correspondingly, Wolkoff et al. (2021) observed that room temperature, indoor air

humidity, and ventilation can affect human health, wok and cognitive performance, and

risk of infection. The result of the research showed that low indoor air humidity causes

23
malfunctions in the body that lower work performance. On the other hand, good

ventilation can reduce illnesses that result in the improvement of work performance.

According to the research of Urlaub et al., (2016) ventilation has an expected

effect on the learning conduct of a student. In a comparison between the range above a

ventilation recommendation and in the lower rate of ventilation, with better ventilation

submits better results. In the study, there was a limited number of knowledge in a space

with less ventilation rate. The results are still unknown if surpassing the recommendation

may drastically change the performance of students. Ventilation, with focus on in and out

of air may affect the time of which a project may finish, but not their errors.

According to the study of Jopp. (2022), Effective ventilation ensures there are

constant air changes within the parameters of the classroom. There is a constant stream

of fresh air circulated and polluted stale air is extracted from the room. It is a known fact

that poor indoor air quality is linked to many health conditions. The build-up of pollutants

and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) contribute to highly polluted air that is inhaled

by students and teachers. Cleaning products, sprays and glue are just some of the

contributors to the poor atmosphere trapped in classrooms. Installing a ventilation

system can help reduce the pollutant build up by removing toxic air.

Synthesis

The related studies underscore the significant role of ventilation and air quality in

educational environments, highlighting their impact on health, cognitive performance,

and learning outcomes. Research indicates that effective ventilation, whether natural or

mechanical, contributes to reducing CO₂ levels, improving thermal comfort, and

minimizing airborne contaminants, which directly enhances student engagement and

24
academic performance (Rosbach, Marquez, Hopkins). Studies comparing ventilation

methods suggest that while natural ventilation can sometimes outperform poorly

maintained mechanical systems, optimized mixed-mode systems offer a balance

between efficiency and adaptability to different building conditions (Zaniboni, Miller).

Indoor air quality factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and pollutant levels are

found to influence both physiological states and task performance, with

recommendations for tailored designs to suit specific educational needs (Liu, Wolkoff,

Jopp). Furthermore, the inclusion of occupant feedback and regular maintenance of

ventilation systems is vital for sustaining a conducive learning environment (Marquez,

Hama). Overall, the findings emphasize the need for innovative and context-specific

ventilation solutions to foster healthier, more productive educational spaces.

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 Chapter III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter covers the methods and procedures utilized by the researchers. This

includes the research design, subjects of the study, instruments used, data gathering

procedure and statistical treatment.

Research Design

The researchers made use of descriptive-correlational research to determine the

relationship between classroom ventilation as perceived by the students and their

academic concentration. This research design is the most suitable design for this study

since it requires a fair evaluation of the variables. With this design, the researchers are

able to see factors, differences, and relationships between the variables.

According to Baht (2023), descriptive-correlational research is a type of research

design that seeks to explain the relationship between two or more variables without

making any claims about cause and effect. It includes collecting and analyzing data on at

least two variables to see if there is a link between them. In this research design,

researchers collect data to explain the variables of interest and figure out how they

relate. The main goal is to give a full account of the variables and how they are related

without changing them or assuming that one thing causes another. Researchers do not

change any variables or try to find cause-and-effect connections. Instead, they just watch

and measure the variables of interest and then look at the patterns and relationships that

emerge from the data.

In regard to the current study, the researchers’ perspective gravitated mostly

toward an analytical methodology about the issue. This type of quantitative research

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aims to analyze the association between two variables to determine whether they have a

positive, negative, or neutral connection with each other. In relation to that, researchers

of this study observed and described the behavior of the subjects without controlling or

manipulating any variables to ensure accuracy of the results, while statistical analysis

aided them in investigating relationships between the variables of the study which are

room ventilation and academic concentration.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were taken from the Upper Basic Education

students in Our Lady of Caysasay Academy. To ensure reliability and fairness, the

researchers used stratified sampling. From the total population of 560, a sample of 70%

or 393 respondents were identified using the Raosoft Sample Size Calculator with 97%

level of confidence and 3% margin of error. This sample is distributed among the

population of students from the Upper Basic Education in Our Lady of Caysasay

Academy using stratified random sampling.

Table 1

Distribution of Respondents

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 Class Population Sample

St. Matthew 40 28

St. Mark 36 25

St. Luke 40 28

St. John 40 28

St. Ignatius 37 26

St. Francis 30 21

St. Augustine 35 25

St. Anthony 37 26

St. Irenaeus 34 24

St. Lawrence 38 27

St. Marcellinus 39 27

St. Stephen 25 18

St. Sebastian 17 12

St. Barachiel 38 27
Data
St. Michael 19 13
Gathering
St. Raphael 16 11
Instrument
St. Gabriel 39 27
The main
Total 560 393
instrument used

in this study is a researcher-made survey questionnaire. The survey questionnaire was

constructed based on and using the various literatures and studies gathered by the

researchers. After creating the initial draft, the copies were sent to the identified

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validators, one who is an expert in the field, another is a grammarian, and lastly a

statistician. Thereafter, the researchers retrieved the validated instrument and

incorporated all the comments and suggestions from the validators.

The survey questionnaire is composed of two (2) parts: the first part is intended to

assess the room ventilation, while the second part is for the assessment of the students’

academic concentration. For this assessment, the researchers devised the scale below:

Table 1

Scale for the Assessment on Classroom Ventilation

Level Scale

Strongly Agree 3.50 – 4.00

Agree 2.50 – 3.49

Disagree 1.50 – 1.49

Strongly Disagree 1.00 – 1.49

Table 2

Scale for the Assessment on Student’s Academic Concentration

Level Scale

Always 3.50 - 4.00

Sometimes 1.50 - 3.49

Rarely 1.50 - 2.49

Never 1.00 – 1.49

Data Gathering Procedure

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 After finalizing the survey questionnaire, the researchers sought the approval of

the integrated school administrators through a letter of request sent to their offices. After

the request was granted and approved, the researchers furnished a copy of the letter for

the vice principal and the grade level moderators to seek for their help in the distribution

and administration of the survey questionnaire. After giving ample time for the

respondents to accomplish the survey questionnaire, the researchers sought again the

assistance of the grade level moderators and the vice principal in the retrieval. Finally,

the retrieved data were tallied, tabulated, and analyzed.

Statistical Treatment

After the researchers received the data, tallying, tabulating, and analyzing was

done. The following statistical treatments were used:

Frequency. This was used to determine the number of student respondents from

Grades 7-12 who assessed the classroom ventilation and academic concentration.

Mean. The mean indicated the average level of classroom ventilation and

academic concentration as observed by the students.

Pearson-r Moment of Correlation. It was used to determine the relationship

between the level of the classroom ventilation as perceived by the students and their

academic concentration.

Percentage. This was used to show the percentage of respondents from each

level of classroom ventilation and academic concentration.

Rank. This was used to identify the highest and lowest ranking of classroom

ventilation and academic concentration as observed by the students.

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31