Classroom Acoustics: Optimising Sound for Learning

“Over 80% of students experience too much noise in school”

Have you ever struggled to focus in a noisy classroom? Poor classroom acoustics are a common and ongoing issue for both students and teachers. The ability to communicate effectively is essential for learning, however, background noise, echoes and reverberation within the classroom often make this challenging. A recent study shows that classroom noise remains a significant and ongoing issue.

Classroom acoustics refers to how sound behaves in a learning space. In education, this doesn’t just apply to classrooms: it extends to lecture theatres, sports halls, and even dining halls. Without proper sound management, noise can spiral out of control, making it hard for students to focus and teachers to communicate effectively.

Fortunately, solutions like acoustic panels can transform noisy classrooms into calm, productive spaces. In this article, we’ll explore the most common acoustic challenges in schools, how they can be resolved, and the incredible impact these changes have on the learning experience.

Classroom reverberation times matter

The UK’s Department for Education published the ‘Acoustic Design of Schools: Performance Standards Building Bulletin 93’ (BB93) which sets out minimum performance standards for the acoustics of school buildings. Page 33 outlines the recommended reverberation time guidelines for different educational spaces:

• Primary school classrooms: below 0.6 seconds.
• Secondary school classrooms and lecture theatres: below 0.8 seconds.

Meeting these Government standards ensures that classrooms are conducive to teaching and learning.

Common acoustic challenges in schools

1. Noisy classrooms

Classrooms are the heart of learning and clear communication is vital, however, classroom acoustics are often overlooked. Factors like overcrowded classes, ambient noise from outside and excessive reverberation can make it hard for students to understand their teachers. Noisy classrooms can also lead to teachers having to strain their voices contributing to fatigue but also a louder environment. Addressing these issues with acoustic panels and soundproofing can greatly improve speech intelligibility and learning outcomes.

2. The flaws of old buildings

Old school buildings often weren’t designed with modern educational needs in mind. Solid, reflective materials like brick, concrete, and lino were chosen for durability but have the unintended consequence of increasing reverberation times. When these buildings are repurposed, their acoustics often need significant upgrades to meet the needs of today’s classrooms and learning spaces.

3. Poor sound insulation

Sound insulation is a common issue in schools and occurs where noise travels between classrooms or seeps in from hallways. External noise from the playground, traffic or railways can also be a major distraction. Simple upgrades like soundproof doors, double-glazed windows, and wall insulation can make a huge difference.

4. Inclusivity for Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Every student deserves an environment where they can thrive, and inclusivity should be at the heart of this. Students with special educational needs, such as hearing impairments, neurodivergent conditions, or English as a second language, are particularly impacted by poor acoustics. Quieter classrooms with improved acoustic clarity help these students focus, actively participate, and fully benefit from lessons.

Common solutions like sound-absorbing panels, assistive listening devices, and thoughtful seating arrangements can improve accessibility and foster better engagement for all learners.

“High quality acoustics in the classroom are vital for all children to be able to listen and learn effectively. For children with a hearing impairment, high quality acoustics are crucial.”

Memorandum submitted by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)

5. Designing for multifunctional rooms

Many school spaces serve multiple purposes throughout the day: assemblies in the morning, gym classes mid-morning, dining at lunch, and drama rehearsals in the afternoon. Each activity demands clear acoustics, especially for speech intelligibility. High reverberation times are the most common issue in multifunctional halls, but strategic acoustic design can create adaptable spaces that seamlessly serve each purpose.

6. Echoes in sports halls and assembly rooms

Large, open spaces like sports halls and main assembly areas are notorious for poor acoustics. Their high ceilings, hard walls, and expansive floors allow sound to bounce around, making it hard for teachers or coaches to communicate effectively. To fix this, solutions like impact-resistant acoustic panels are essential for controlling noise while standing up to wear and tear.

7. Noisy dining rooms

School canteens are often loud and chaotic. The constant buzz of conversations, clattering trays, and movement creates a high level of noise. Hard surfaces like tile floors and concave architectural features can further amplify sound, making it nearly impossible for students to hold conversations without shouting.

8. Lombard Effect

The Lombard Effect which is the phenomenon where students involuntarily raise their voices in response to loud background noise in an attempt to be heard. A vicious cycle is created where the overall volume level raises, which in turn means students and teachers must talk even louder to be heard. This chaotic environment can lead to stress and discomfort.

Key considerations of acoustic design in education

Effective acoustic design transforms noisy, chaotic spaces into calm, productive learning environments. Here’s an closer look at the critical design elements to focus on when addressing common acoustic issues seen in schools:

Acoustic absorption

Reducing reverberation time is essential for maintaining clear communication in classrooms. Materials like acoustic panels, carpets, and soft furnishings absorb excess noise, minimising echoes and improving speech intelligibility. This is particularly vital in spaces with high ceilings or hard, reflective surfaces like concrete or tiles. The result is quieter rooms where students can focus and learn effectively.

Managing loud noise sources

Excessive noise from equipment, such as computer servers, projector cooling systems, and HVAC units can disrupt learning. Upgrading or maintaining these systems is critical. For example:

• Use quieter models or install noise attenuators on HVAC systems.
• Place servers in separate, sound-insulated rooms.
• Regularly maintain equipment to prevent noise escalation over time.

Soundproofing

While soundproofing can be challenging to retrofit into existing buildings, it’s not impossible. The goal is to minimise the transmission of both impact noise (e.g., footsteps) and airborne sound (e.g., voices or external traffic). Upgrading walls, ceilings, windows, and doors can significantly reduce noise transfer and create quieter, more productive environments.

Room use and geometry

The shape and layout of a room play a significant role in acoustics. For optimal speech clarity:

• Ensure a clear, unobstructed path for sound between the teacher and students.
• Avoid designs that cause problematic echoes, such as tall or narrow spaces, curved ceilings, or shallow vaults.
• Address echoes and sound focus with strategically placed acoustic treatments.

Do poor classroom acoustics affect student performance?

Poor classroom acoustics can significantly hinder a student’s ability to learn and thrive. Inadequate acoustics can be characterised by constant noise, echoes, and high reverberation times. Research shows that excessive noise disrupts essential skills like reading, language processing, speech development, and spelling. Over time, this leads to slower cognitive development among students.

The impact doesn’t stop with students. Teachers in noisy classrooms often experience vocal strain, fatigue, and difficulty in maintaining control of the class which can be stressful. The constant need to raise their voices in poorly designed spaces creates an exhausting teaching environment. Addressing these issues with better acoustic design benefits both students and teachers, fostering clearer communication, calmer classrooms, and improved well-being.

The effects of good acoustics on learning

On the flip side, good classroom acoustics are transformative. Installing acoustic panels and other sound-absorbing materials helps to:

• Improve speech intelligibility, making lessons easier to follow for students.
• Reduce distractions, allowing students to concentrate and maintain focus.
• Create a calmer, more productive learning environment for both students and teachers.

Studies have shown that primary-aged children benefit the most from well-designed classrooms with low reverberation times. These spaces are quieter, promote better communication, and enhance overall academic performance. As awareness grows, both architects and educators are increasingly prioritising acoustic design in schools to meet national and international standards.

Acoustic solutions for schools

Installing acoustic panels is the most effective method to improve acoustic clarity and reduce reverberation time. Class A acoustic panels absorb over 90% of soundwaves that hit their surface. These panels can be placed on walls or ceilings, or designed as bespoke solutions to suit individual rooms and meet the specific needs of each space.

Practical Tips for Enhancing Classroom Acoustics on Your Own

These low-cost techniques are easy to implement within your classroom:

• Add soft furnishings, such as carpets or curtains to the space.
• Replace or turn off noisy equipment when not in use.
• Attach soft tips to the legs of tables and chairs to reduce scraping noises.
• Encourage the practice of one voice speaking at a time in the classroom (easier said than done!).

While these techniques provide a good starting point, they offer only marginal acoustic benefits compared to the professional solution of installing sound-absorbing panels.

Free acoustic survey and bespoke solutions for your school

Take the guesswork out of improving your school’s learning environment. Our free on-site survey and acoustic assessment identify your specific issues, followed by no-obligation, tailored solutions to meet your needs. Let us help you create a quieter, more focused space where students can thrive. Contact us today to get started!

 

 

References

“A Sound Recovery – Mitigating Noise in Post-Pandemic Education”. Ecophon, Jan 2022, www.ecophon.com/en/articles/knowledge/global-education-report/.

“BB93: Acoustic Design of Schools – Performance Standards.” Department for Education, Jan 2003, www.gov.uk/government/publications/bb93-acoustic-design-of-schools-performance-standards.

“House of Commons – Children, Schools and Families Committee – Minutes of Evidence.” UK Parliament, Jan 2009, publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmchilsch/192/09012112.htm.

‌“Lombard Effect”. Wikipedia, Dec 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lombard_effect.

Shield B, et al. “A survey of acoustic conditions and noise levels in secondary school classrooms in England”. J Acoust Soc Am, Jan 2015;137(1):177-88, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25618049/.

Shield, Bridget & Dockrell, Julie. “The Effects of Noise on Children at School: A Review”. Building Acoustics, 10(2):97-116, June 2003,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/245525976_The_Effects_of_Noise_on_Children_at_School_A_Review.