Options
2005
Conference Paper
Titel
Acoustic properties in German class rooms and their effect on the cognitive performance of primary school pupils
Abstract
In a recent research project, acousticians along with psychologists have analyzed the cognitive performance of primary school pupils depending on classroom acoustics. This paper presents the acoustic part of the cooperative project. Appropriate class rooms of several school buildings were selected after a preliminary procedure including inspections, measurements and questionnaires was accomplished. Thus, 65 class rooms of 23 different schools were examined by the reverberation time and the background noise level. The measurement of background noise levels were carried out for both opened and closed windows. Although the reverberation time in some cases exceeds the recommendations of the new German standard DIN 18041, the measured reverberation time is within an acceptable range. The results show that with windows closed teaching should not be affected substantially. In contrast, in the case of open windows significantly high background noise levels were observed frequently. Based on these results 16 class rooms of 8 schools were selected for further detailed investigations comprising the determination of a set of room-acoustic parameters. Additionally, the sound insulation to adjacent class rooms, corridors and of the facade were measured. The acoustical properties of a selection of class rooms were modified in order to achieve reference situations. These rooms have served as environment for psychological tests. The concept of the project and early results will be presented.
Konferenz