Classroom Acoustics and Impact on Health and Social Behaviour

Abstract

This paper refers to an interdisciplinary research carried out from 2000 to 2006 at the Bremen University, Germany and new data analysis. A mixed team of acousticians, occupational health- and medical-scientists and pedagogues investigated the work and communication behaviour in synchronization with classroom acoustic measurements in two elementary schools. One school had 4 classrooms with “very good” acoustical conditions (fulfilling the highest demands regarding the german standard DIN18041 – RT60 125-4000 Hz < 0,5s) and 4 rooms with “good” acoustics (fulfilling the minimum requirements – RT60 < 0,6s); at the other school the acoustics in the rooms involved in the research had been improved from bad to very good conditions.Differences of classroom acoustics are discussed appropriately. Based on observations of 175 lessons the effects of room characteristics (e. g. increased absorption, shortened reverberation time and improved speech intelligibility) on basic and working sound level in the context of each kind of work during lessons will be discussed. A methodical examination of the database allows an assessment of mean values but also of the detailed teaching phases, as characterized by certain pedagogical factors. Therefore, it is possible for example to evaluate the effects of frontal teaching in contrary to differentiated lessons.The results provide the basis for discussions on stress level and work demands of teachers. It has been proved, that the heart rates of teachers are coupled to the stress reaction to the noise level. Students show the same reaction. By monitoring all actions of teachers and students during the lessons it is now possible to analyze further on the impact on social behaviour depending on the acoustical conditions of classroom working.