Vehicle Noise and Its Interference on the Teaching-Learning Process in Few Schools of Industrial Area, Durgapur, West Bengal

Abstract

Noise is considered as a chronic stress factor. Excessive background noise in the school environment may become a barrier concerning communication within the school community. The aim of the present study was to find out the status of noise level in outside and inside the classroom of few selected schools of industrial area of Durgapur, West Bengal and also to find out the experienced by the students and teachers community due to high intense vehicle noise during teaching-learning. The noise levels were measured in both inside and outside the school. The different percentile values L10, L50, and L90 were used for the evaluation of equivalent noise level (Leq). A self-made interview schedule was constructed for getting feedback from the teachers and students about the problems associated with the teaching-learning process. Results revealed that the mean noise level in outside and inside the classroom ranges from 104 - 110 dB and 93 - 100 dB, respectively. Statistical results indicate that there is significant difference (p < 0.003) in noise level between inside and outside the classroom. The highest Leq and NC values in inside the classroom are 98 and 13 dB and outside the classroom are 111 and 19 dB, respectively. Both students and teachers communities are severally affected by high intense noise during teaching-learning. However, none of them suffering from hearing problem. This information will be helpful as a guideline for future regulation on noise limit to be imparting for any urban areas.