Classroom Acoustics

Good classroom acoustics is important to improve a student’s ability to hear and understand what is being said. When the background noise and/or the amount of reverberation in the classroom is high it interferes with learning and teaching. Evidence has demonstrated that when classroom acoustics are poor it can affect:

  • speech understanding
  • reading and spelling ability
  • concentration
  • behavior in the classroom
  • attention
  • academic achievement

What causes poor classroom acoustics

Background noise and unwanted sound that interferes with what you want to hear is all increased by poor classroom acoustic. Background noise in a classroom can come from many sources such as traffic, lawnmowers, children on the playground or in the hallway, heating or air conditioning units, audiovisual equipment, or other students.

Reverberation refers to the phenomenon of sound continuing to be present in a room because of sound reflecting off of surfaces such as desks or chairs. When sound lingers in a room there is more interference with speech. In a classroom it is important to have a short reverberation time.

Creating an environment where good communication can take place should be a goal for any classroom or learning space. Communication breaks down when the classroom acoustics are poor. Reducing noise and reverberation in any space used for learning, such as community buildings, home-based classrooms, and classrooms in places of worship, is important.

Acoustic products for classrooms

Quietstone manufacture and supply a range of acoustic products ideal for use in classrooms. Please contact us to discuss how we can help or browse some of our products for classrooms below:

Quietstone Acoustic Products
Quietstone UK Ltd

Nab Quarry, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 5SD