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Acoustic design of schools
Wanted: Science classes to improve classroom acoustics
We need science classes to participate in a scientific study investigating noise and classroom learning. We are trying to find out the degree to which reading ability, numeracy and memory are affected by classrooms noise. We need friendly science teachers who will allow their students to complete a short series of tests in 2 sessions under the supervision of our researchers. The tasks will be completed on a laptop computer while wearing headphones. Our researchers will be happy to provide the class with a breakdown of their performance and an informative session about the effects of school acoustics on teaching and learning. The study will abide by the ethical principles of the British Psychological Society. Results from the study will inform future standards for school design.
To find out more about the 'Identifying a Sound Environment for Secondary Schools' project, run jointly by The Institute of Education, London South Bank University and Salford University, visit our website at http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/isess/ or see below
If you are interested in taking part or want to know more about the project, contact Dr Daniel Connolly at d.connolly@ioe.ac.uk
Identifying a Sound Environment for Secondary Schools (ISESS)
Noisy, echoey classrooms make it difficult for pupils to hear teachers and hampers learning. This is a three year research project investigating the exact effects on teaching and learning of different acoustic designs within secondary schools and classrooms. The project aims to improve the environmental design of secondary school buildings to minimise the impact on children and teachers of poor school buildings.
We have four research questions:
* What are the current acoustic and noise conditions in UK secondary schools?
* What are the perceptions of teachers and students in secondary schools concerning
the acoustic environment and how it affects them?
* What are the impacts of noise and acoustic conditions on the cognitive performance
of secondary school pupils?
* What are appropriate acoustic guidelines for secondary schools?
This will provide an evidence-base necessary to improve acoustic conditions in the long term and, in the short term, provide practitioners with evidence to support changes in teaching and learning strategies for situations where acoustic conditions are poor.
The principle investigators are Professor Bridget Shield (London South Bank University, Acoustics), Professor Julie Dockrell (Institute of Education, Psychology) and Professor Trevor Cox (University of Salford, Acoustics). The research assistants are Dr Daniel Connolly (Institute of Education, Psychology) and Robert Conetta (London South Bank University, Acoustics). The technician is Charlie Mydlarz (University of Salford, Acoustics)
Credits
Photo (c) Extra Ketchup's