Background: The vocal demand on teachers may predispose them to vocal difficulties. This concern is exacerbated by unfavourable classroom acoustics and a large number of learners in a classroom in developing countries such as South Africa. There is a dearth of classroom acoustic protocols in South Africa, which intensifies the effect of noise on…

The design of a classroom space can make a big difference in student behavior and learning. The use of color, sound, light, furniture arrangements and more can help foster community and culture and promote understanding. Dillon discusses some easy ways to transform the classroom space that can help with classroom management.

When new learning environments are built, numerous variables are taken into consideration. For example, school systems consider the instructional needs of the students they serve, enrollment, and whether to replace or remodel an old building. The concept of "going green" encourages school system planners to consider the natural…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in a set of university classrooms and students' outcomes, i.e., satisfaction with IEQ, perceived learning, and course satisfaction. Data collected from students (N = 631) of University of Minnesota were analyzed to test a hypothesized…

This popular guide offers a wealth of innovative, research-based strategies for making K-12 classrooms the best learning environments they can be. Easy-to-implement best practices are presented for establishing a classroom management plan, organizing procedures and materials, building a respectful community, fostering peer collaboration, and…

Examines whether children make more noise on a windy day and argues that predictions made on the basis of hearsay or intuition may not be proved by rational consideration of experimental evidence. Finds that there is no correlation between a windy day and student noise levels. (Author/CCM)

DISCUSSES THE SERVICES, PROJECTS, AND PLANNING PROCESS OF THE SCHOOL PLANNING LABORATORY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE. SERVICES INCLUDE--(1) ASSISTING SCHOOL SYSTEMS AND COLLEGES IN PLANNING FUNCTIONAL EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, (2) CONDUCTING RESEARCH TO DISCOVER NEW AND BETTER SOLUTIONS TO SCHOOL PLANNING PROBLEMS, AND (3) DISSEMINATING IDEAS FOR…

This article reviews procedures for evaluating, measuring, and modifying noise and reverberation levels in the classroom environment. Recommendations include: relocating children away from high noise sources, such as fans, air conditioners, heating ducts, and faulty lighting fixtures, using sound-absorbing materials, using acoustical ceiling tile…

This article examines acoustical, technological, and rehabilitative solutions for improving classroom acoustics and speech perception in classroom settings. These procedures include: physical acoustical modifications of the room, personal hearing aids, hearing-assistive technologies, modifications in speaker-listener distance, optimizing visual…

This qualitative case study investigated how community college students perceived specific classroom attributes as contributing to or hindering their learning. The study addressed three questions: What has been the role of students in classroom design within the community college campus? How do students assess the classroom's physical design…

This article discusses the incorporation of architectural principles into redesigning a classroom at York University (Ontario) for a mix of university students and professors/lecturers who are culturally deaf, oral deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, and hearing. Special design features include lighting and color, noise control, furniture, and…

This draft standard developed by the Classroom Acoustics Working Group provides acoustical performance criteria and accompanying design guidelines intended to ensure good speech communication among students and teachers in learning spaces. To ensure the noise limits are not exceeded, adequate sound isolation between classrooms and adjacent spaces…

A study used impulse response measures and observations in 10 Florida classrooms to develop 10 recommendations for improving the acoustical environment in schools. Recommendations include improving air-conditioning systems, limiting room volume, providing sound-absorbing surfaces, using carpeting, reducing distance between teachers and students,…

The learning environment and its interrelationship with educational policies and the coordinated planning and design of schools and their facilities are discussed in the light of the human organism or student. The problems and hazards of present learning environments are reviewed in conjunction with environmental control and its influence on…