Speech intelligibility in primary school classrooms

Abstract

Recent research has highlighted the growing problem of noise levels in classrooms. The speech intelligibility of 60 occupied primary school classrooms has recently been investigated: high noise levels, long reverberation times, and poor classroom design are but some of the problems encountered. The recommended %ALcons should be 5%, whereas in some modern classrooms the value was 100%. The shape of the classroom, as well as the materials used, can lead to locations within the classroom where the quality of speech heard can be poor. Measurements were carried out in classrooms before and after acoustic treatment: the speech intelligibility in treated classrooms improved noticeably. Throughout the research project children have been involved with the majority of the measurements, with their opinion being sought and listened to. The results have been used to tackle problems of poor acoustics in local schools and also in the appraisal of two new academic buildings to be constructed in Edinburgh. These buildings are for the education of children who are either hearing impaired or have a language difficulty. The design of the buildings has been carefully considered as well as the materials being used and the correct criteria for classroom acoustics.