The teachers perspective on noise in the classroom

Abstract

A survey was sent to 3rd grade teachers in Orange County, FL to find out about their noise awareness and coping strategies. Results of the survey were also correlated to mechanical system type and achievement data. Preliminary analyses show very little awareness on mechanical noise by teachers but a good range of coping strategies when noise sources are present (mostly activity noise). The survey also helped to better understand the classroom environment. For example, most classrooms have a frequent use of computers or projectors and a few schools are still open-plan. These facts create new questions about noise in the classroom that need to be addressed in further studies. © 2013 Acoustical Society of America.