Poor classroom
acoustics
For better classroom environment, we need acoustical soundproofing products in the interior designing and construction. The major existing learning process in our country relies on oral communication. Ideal auditory learning is affected by two factors,acoustics of the room and hearing ability of the students. Second factor is not up to the teacher or the authorities to deal with, but what they can make sure is the quality of the classroom acoustics. It has been found that 90% of the students are not able to completely hear what the teacher says. Thus, poor acoustics will adversely affect a child’s learning experience as well as the teacher’s vocal health.
Cause of poor
acoustics.
Poor acoustics occur due to background noise and reverberation in the classroom.
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Background noise is constituted of external and internal noises. External noise is the noise that enters the classroom from outside of the school. It can be anything from a bird’s chirp to a truck passing-by. Old school buildings were not built with the acoustic properties of the room in mind. Hence, the materials used in constructing these buildings don’t have the ability to block these external noises from entering the classroom. Internal noise, on the other hand, is the noise that is generated within the classroom. A student whispering to the one sitting next to him or a pen dropping on the floor or even shuffling of feet, all of this contribute to the internal background noise and interferes with the teacher’s voice.
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Echoes are a common issue when it comes to large rooms with high ceilings. These echoes are formed due to sound reverberating off the walls or desks in classrooms. These sound waves bounce off of one surface to the other and interferes with the speech. The longer this reverberating sound persists in the room, the more it will affect the necessary sound waves. Thus the reverberation time, the time taken to absorb a reflected sound, should be low. Human body can absorb these sound waves to an extend but other materials that can control reverberation effects, like carpets and curtains, should be used.
Effects of poor
classroom acoustics
The effects of poor classroom acoustics are
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Reduced performance
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Delayed language acquisition
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Lower speech intelligibility of the child
Acoustical Solution
According to American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), the background noise in an empty classroom should be less than 35 dB and the reverberation time should be with in 0.4 seconds for the child to hear properly what is being taught. It also requires that the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) should be no less than 15 dB. That is the voice of the teacher should be 15 dB higher than the background noise. Here are some solutions to ensure proper classroom acoustics.
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Soundproof windows and doors of the classroom to block external background noises from entering the classroom.
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Use felt pads one the legs of chairs and desks so that not much
noise is produced due to their movement. -
Curtains and carpets can reduce background noises and reverberations. If large carpets are not preferred due to hygienic reasons, use a strip of carpet on the teacher’s common walking path.
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Make sure all electrical instruments are working properly and are
not creating any buzzing sounds, adding to the background noises. -
Split large rooms into smaller areas by using free-standing
furnishings.
Providing an environment with good acoustic properties should be included along with other factors to ensure high quality education. For enhanced learning process, it is essential that classroom interiors satisfy acoustic requirements.