Are Noise Control Products a Solution for Background Noise in Schools?
If you consider the amount of time being spent by us in school since childhood, which may be between 11 to 20 years, and the level of educational qualifications we hope to earn, the conditions under which we achieve it, that too happily, is really surprising. The design of the classes and the supporting areas are so bad that many of us do not realize what we are missing. It has been time and again proved that the impact of poor acoustics in classrooms has a negative effect in the development of the students. For full grasping of the subjects that are being taught, a child needs proper classroom acoustics and low background noise. This must be ensured in all schools.
Sources of Noise
To many people, acoustic noise may mean unusually loud volume of sound. Actually any sound that disturbs a peaceful environment, for example music played at high volumes by your neighbors, or the sound created by an overflying aircraft can be termed noisy. For that matter even a conversation between people may appear to be noisy to someone who is not a participant in that discussion. The point is that if such noises deprive some other people of receiving certain messages that are being conveyed to them then it is really bad. Our classrooms are one example where we should install noise control measures with priority.
Background Noise
If background noise is allowed to get into the classes due to bad acoustics, the students are unable to pay proper attention to what is being taught and miss out many verbal instructions. The sources of such back ground noises can be from the outside the classes like playground or traffic or from inside like lunch room, hall way or even gym. Young children in their formative years are affected more in the sense that their reading and spelling skills are affected. First focus should be on schools which are in close proximity to sources of high noises like that of traffic or aircraft. Acoustic noise control of classrooms only can ensure intelligible instructions. There are several solutions to control background noise but it is not always in your control. The teachers cannot increase the volume of their voice for long periods. Drapes and carpeting cannot give the expected result. Sound absorbing materials may be a good solution in such situations.
Classroom Noise Control
Therefore, to improve teacher-student communication, which is important for increasing productivity in learning, the problem of reverberation and background noise should be tackled as far as possible. Classroom walls, ceilings and floors can be treated with sound absorption and noise control products. Today you can get products at good prices and are fire rated. They are cheaper because they are made from recycled materials. Also, they are strong and long lasting, water resistant, and can be easily assembled. They are non-corrosive, available in many colors, and are graffiti resistant.
The message is that your noise problems in school can be easily solved with noise control treatment. It will boost the quality of education significantly.