JAN. 02
Florida
#4
Department of Eduation
EQUAL EDUCA TIONAL OPPOR TUNITY PROGRAM
Ensuring Quality and Unleashing
Improved Performance
Impact of Noise on Classroom Learning
A recent study,
Impact of Noise on Classroom Learning,
conducted by Gary Sieben, a University
of Florida professor of architecture and researcher on classroom acoustics, and Carl Crandell,
a University of Florida professor of communications sciences and disorders, reveals that noisy
classrooms seriously impinge many students’ ability to learn. The study concluded that in
visits to 47 Florida elementary, middle and high schools, the majority have background noise
levels of between 40 and 55 decibels. The Federal Access Board recommends a noise
standard of 35 decibels. Some key findings are:
•
Students seated more than 12 feet away from the teacher in noisy classrooms heard
50 percent or less of the lecture. Given the common placement of desks in rows, that
often meant that more than half of the students were not hearing everything the teacher
had to say.
•
The noise in schools most often came from air-conditioning units. Wall or window
mounted air-conditioning units and heat pump or fan/coil units made noise that
consistently exceeded the 35 decibels. Only central air-conditioning units were quiet
enough for the standard.
•
Between 10 percent and 30 percent of students have some kinds of moderate or mild
hearing loss caused by scarring from ear infections. Noisy classrooms exacerbate
these students’ listening challenges.
•
Students learning English as a second language, and students who suffer from Attention
Deficit Disorder or other attention problems, also hear less in noisy classrooms.
•
Students hear better in square rooms with ceilings less than 10 feet high than rectangular
rooms or irregularly shaped rooms with higher ceilings.
The EQUIP series provides summaries of current data and research to enhance the decision making and planning process
as Florida’s educational institutions conduct comprehensive self-assessments to identify measurable methods and strate
gies to ensure access to high quality instruction.
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