Why should you create a good sound environment in schools?
Ecophon has knowledge of and solutions for how to create a good sound environment in schools - knowledge we would like to share to support the planning, design and building process to secure better acoustic outcomes for building users and a built-in good acoustic legacy for the building's future use.
Acoustic demands and sound requirements are prioritised differently depending on the activity, type of room and the people occupying it. We have created an information package to guide you regarding the considerations and process towards creating good sound environments.
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Supporting student engagement via good communication |
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A quiet sound environment helps encourage all students to participate in discussions with speech at low levels and supports clearer listening within group work without the need for students to raise their voices to compete with other groups. |
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Supports classroom management in a passive way |
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Allows teachers to be more proactive, encourage interactive discussions and reduces the need for repetition. Good classroom acoustics with lowers sound levels allow better directivity of sound, assisting the teacher to identify where a sound is coming from and deal with it more subtely before it becomes an issue.
Teacher's blood pressure can be lowered with reduced sound levels, lowering the burden on management and reducing the stress levels for teachers. The benefits of good acoustics for management can of course benefit the whole school outside the classroom making the corridors and social spaces more pleasant and less hostile - especially for more vulnerable children. |
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Modifies behaviour and supports more positive student interaction |
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Classes can begin more quickly without the need to calm students down. Teachers can start the class on a more positive note without starting with a negative atmosphere after repremanding children to keep quiet. Clear directivity of sound discourages children from disrupting as it reduces their anominity. |
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Student participation via communication and discussions is important but good hearing and understanding makes learning more effective |
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When students hear more clearly and take part in the discussions, they are more likely to remember what they have learned which in turn gives them a better chance of applying what they have learned. |
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Make the environment as natural as possible for our ears |
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Absorbing most of the unwanted sound in the ceiling is a good start. Then adding wall absorption, where appropriate, to give a more balanced sound environment indoors. Thus coming closer to the natural outdoor environment with a virtual acoustic sky and forest created by the sound absorbers. |
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