An investigation into ambient noise levels at Rietenbosch primary school

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Rietenbosch Primary has reported experiencing a noise challenge that negativelyaffects audible communication proficiency in the classroom environment.This difficulty in communication may be a contributing factor in the school'spoor academic performance. Previous attempts to rectify the problem havebeen unsuccessful. The primary focus of this study was to identify the cause(s)of the noise problem and the extent to which the school's noise levels exceedthose prescribed as acceptable by internationally recognized standards.This study was predominantly based on a mixed methods approach, asthe method allows the researcher to gather qualitative and quantitative data.A noise survey was conducted in multiple spaces, with varying parameters,to investigate the distinctive sound characteristics of the school building. Inaddition, a questionnaire regarding the acoustic characteristics of the classroomenvironment was distributed to teachers. This aided in consolidatingand analysing perceptions about the noise challenge.The results showed that the school's ambient noise levels, reverberationtime, sound impact noise, and occupied classroom noise levels exceed nationaland international recommended values. These factors contribute to the poorauditory environment of the classrooms, causing a barrier to learning in theschool. The investigation also found that the school's noise-related problemsare due to the layout of the school. Acoustical treatment is recommended.This investigation wishes to include South Africa in the international discussionon excessive noise levels in schools and the effects this has on learning.Key terms: Ambient Noise Levels, Occupied Noise Levels, ReverberationTime, International Noise Standards, South African Standards, Barriers toLearning, Noise in Relation to Health.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University