Learning and the Heatwave
Heatwaves have various effects on learning and cognitive function, primarily due to their impact on physical and mental well-being. Even when schools remain open during heat waves, the learning environment may be compromised due to inadequate ventilation, lack of air conditioning, and discomfort caused by high temperatures. These conditions can affect students’ ability to concentrate, engage in learning activities, and perform academically. Research has shown that increased temperatures can lead to decreased attention spans and memory recall. The brain’s ability to process information efficiently diminishes in the sweltering heat, hampering learning progress.
Figure 1: Mohammed (2019): Congested classroom.[Online image][Accessed on the 4th of April,2024] https://twitter.com/MOHAMEDIN009/status/1176076058833170433
Due to the heat waves in some countries, some schools are being closed as it is not conducive for the students to learn in such conditions. Extreme heat may prompt school closures or early dismissals, further limiting children’s access to education. Heatwaves can disrupt regular school attendance by making it unsafe for children to travel to and from school, particularly if they have to walk long distances or do not have access to reliable transportation. Extreme heat may also prompt school closures or early dismissals, further limiting children’s access to education.
Prolonged periods out of school due to heat waves can have long-term consequences for students’ future opportunities and prospects. Missed educational opportunities can hinder students’ academic achievement, limit their access to higher education or vocational training, and impede their ability to pursue fulfilling careers and economic independence. It can also make the students lose interest in educational activities as they get used to not doing anything in academics.
Heatwaves may lead to the cancellation or suspension of outdoor extracurricular activities, such as sports, recess, or field trips, depriving out-of-school children of opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and enrichment outside the classroom.
It can also lead to disruption of Routine; being out of school during heat waves can disrupt students’ daily routines and social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation, boredom, and disconnection from peers and support networks. This disruption can affect social and emotional development and may contribute to feelings of loneliness or alienation.
Figure 2 The Cable (2023) Out of School Children.[Online image][Accessed on the 4th of April,2023] UBEC: Getting actual figure of out-of-school children impossible without census | TheCable
The closure of schools due to heat waves can significantly impact girls' wellbeing. It can lead to Increased Vulnerability to Exploitation. Girls who are out of school are at a higher risk of exploitation, including child labour, early marriage, and involvement in risky or harmful activities. Without the protective environment of school and the support of teachers and peers, girls may be more susceptible to exploitation and abuse.
It can also have an Impact on Mental Health; heat waves can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and discomfort, which may affect girls’ mental health and well-being. The stress of coping with extreme temperatures, coupled with the challenges of being out of school, can hurt girls’ emotional resilience and overall mental well-being.
Figure 3: IndiaToday.(2013) Molested girls.[Online image][Accessed on the 4th of April,2023] https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/images/story/201311/rape_660_112513111647.jpg?VersionId=y6RU_ALwFgwiDqrsXwctPkyQhsyAY8BE&size=690:388
As for whether heat waves will get better or worse in the future, it is difficult to say definitively. Climate change is expected to continue to increase global temperatures, which could lead to more frequent and intense heat waves. However, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change could help to lessen the impact of heat waves in the future.
Figure 4: National Center for Environmental Health. (2020) Protect yourself from the dangers of extreme heat. [Online image][Accessed on the 4th of April, 2024] https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
Educators & learners, the government, and communities need to be aware of the potential effects of heat waves and take proactive measures to mitigate them, such as
- Ensuring adequate hydration, maintaining a comfortable learning environment, and adjusting learning schedules as needed during periods of extreme heat.
- Take proactive measures to ensure the safety, well-being, and educational needs of all children, particularly those most vulnerable.
- Implementing heat wave preparedness and response plans, improving access to cooling centers and other resources, providing support services for needy families, and promoting resilience-building initiatives to help communities cope with extreme weather events.
- To mitigate the impact of heat waves on girls and their well-being, it is essential to implement strategies to ensure their safety, health, and continued access to learning opportunities. This may include:
- Providing access to relaxed, safe learning environments, offering flexible learning options during extreme weather conditions, promoting health and addressing underlying social and economic factors contributing to vulnerability.
- Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of girls’ education and advocating for policies and investments that support their rights and needs can help mitigate the impact of heatwaves on girls’ lives and empower them to thrive despite the challenges posed by extreme weather events.
Figure 5: National Center for Environmental Health.(2020) Hot weather tips. [Online image][Accessed on the 4th of April, 2024] https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html
Bibliography
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-pressure_area. Accessed on the 2nd of April, 2024.
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Zuo, J., Pullen, S., Palmer, J., Bennetts, H., Chileshe, N., & Ma, T. (2015). Impacts of heat waves and corresponding measures: a review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 92, 1–12.
Malmquist, A., Lundgren, T., Hjerpe, M., Glaas, E., Turner, E., & Storbjörk, S. (2021). Vulnerability and adaptation to heat waves in preschools: Experiences, impacts and responses by unit heads, educators and parents. Climate risk management, 31, 100271.
Laurent, J. G. C., Williams, A., Oulhote, Y., Zanobetti, A., Allen, J. G., & Spengler, J. D. (2018). Reduced cognitive function during a heat wave among residents of non-air-conditioned buildings: An observational study of young adults in the summer of 2016. PLoS medicine, 15(7), e1002605.
Co-written by Temitope Ayandele: https://ng.linkedin.com/in/temitope-ayandele-2281341bb
