Using your ears: A novel way to teach acoustics

Abstract

Auditory simulations of physical phenomena pertaining to acoustics have been developed to enhance student learning and understanding of these conditions. The demonstrations range from simulations of fundamental concepts, such as reverberation, flutter echoes, reflections, and room modal effects, to more applied topics, such as sound transmission through barriers, mechanical system noise spectra, and varying absorption distribution in rooms. The simulations were generated by using auralization tools and processed recordings. The demonstrations may be utilized in the classroom to introduce new acoustical concepts by having students first listen to a simulation, then write and/or discuss what they hear, providing conjectures about the parameters that could create such acoustical conditions. The goal of the demonstrations is to encourage students to use their ears as part of a quantitative and qualitative assessment of acoustical phenomena.