Dr. Rob de Lange and Dr. Beppie van den Bogaerde , Annemiek voor in ’t holt, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences

Overview
In recent years there has been increasing attention given to the conditions in which students are taught. Boundary conditions such as temperature, acoustics, air quality, lighting quality and space together form the basic conditions for pupils and teachers to operate.

There is relatively little attention given to the impact of acoustics and listening conditions on the learning of pupils, while it is evident that it is one of the key preconditions that make teaching possible in the classroom. In addition acquisition of language and learning in schools is found largely done through listening and speaking interactions.

To further understand the impact of listening conditions in the classroom to students we conducted a study of various listening situations, with and without using Soundfield equipment. Soundfield equipment consists of a teacher and a speaker microphone transmitter with amplifier and receiver.

The study took place at five primary schools in ten different classes Frisian involving 177 students on the grades three to eight, and lasted four weeks.


Study conclusions regarding the students
The use of Soundfield Equipment has the most influence on the improvement of listening in class, and listening in a noisy classroom improves by 41% for the students sitting in the back ; by 45% for children with concentration and attention problems; by 40% for students with speech / language problems, and 101% for children with hearing and/or auditory problems.


Study conclusions regarding the teachers
The teachers unanimously indicate that the attention of pupils while listening to directions and orders given to the class is improved, and 75% of teachers indicate that the focus on education has improved; their students are more focused on the lesson.


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