One of the most important things to consider in classroom design is acoustical performance. Hard flat surfaces in the classroom, such as floors, walls, blackboards, and ceilings promote echo, which inhibits speech perception.
Research indicates that background noise and reverberation can adversely affect learning, especially for young children. It is more difficult for younger students to hear individual sounds clearly, as when learning to read and spell, and their concentration is also compromised. Poor classroom acoustics create an especially challenging educational barrier for those children who have hearing loss, speech impairments, or learning disabilities, and whose native language differs from the teaching language.
It is clear from the numerous studies in the area that the use of a classroom amplification system results in improvements in the classroom environment, student academic achievement, and teacher health. Studies show evidence of increased student attention, improved speech recognition, fewer distractions, and decreased off-task behavior. Schools that use classroom amplification technology have reported significant decreases in teacher absences due to voice fatigue and vocal strain. The use of classroom amplification has been embraced and supported by students, parents, and school staff.
Research indicates that background noise and reverberation can adversely affect learning, especially for young children. It is more difficult for younger students to hear individual sounds clearly, as when learning to read and spell, and their concentration is also compromised. Poor classroom acoustics create an especially challenging educational barrier for those children who have hearing loss, speech impairments, or learning disabilities, and whose native language differs from the teaching language.
It is clear from the numerous studies in the area that the use of a classroom amplification system results in improvements in the classroom environment, student academic achievement, and teacher health. Studies show evidence of increased student attention, improved speech recognition, fewer distractions, and decreased off-task behavior. Schools that use classroom amplification technology have reported significant decreases in teacher absences due to voice fatigue and vocal strain. The use of classroom amplification has been embraced and supported by students, parents, and school staff.