Improve Acoustics and Academics - Noise Control for the Classroom

The ideal classroom is one in which students cansoundproofing treatments must target both sound
clearly understand the instructor during lecture andtransmission and sound reflection. Now let us take a
focus on assignments, projects and tests in anlook at how each of these sound behaviors can be
environment free of distractions. Here we outline somealleviated in a classroom environment:
of the soundproofing challenges faced within-Controlling sound transmission: Eliminating noise
classrooms:transmitting in from outside a classroom (and vice
-Outside sound transmission into the classroom. Aversa) involves isolating the room such that the ability
classroom left untreated for sound transmission will notof sound waves to transmit through the walls and
only allow sound to escape, but will allow the transferceiling is compromised. Sound waves travel freely
of outside noise into the classroom. Audible outsidethrough common contact points, such as the studs and
noise can be a major distraction and interfere with thewalls surrounding the classroom. Isolating a classroom
quality of any learning environment. Additionally,can be accomplished by adding density to each wall
excessive outside noise such as outdoor constructionand creating a separated wall surface parallel to each.
or students in a hallway can eliminate a teacher's abilityAdding density is often accomplished by covering walls
to communicate effectively with the students in thecompletely with a heavyweight vinyl soundproofing
class altogether.membrane such as dB-Bloc. Once increased density is
-Numerous hard, reflective surfaces: A majorestablished, a set of horizontal furring strips affixed to
soundproofing challenge arises from an issue commonthe wall creates a foundation for a new layer of
to most classrooms-the presence of walls, desks anddrywall that will make up the second wall surface. This
a ceiling, each of which reflects sound waves backseparation forces outside sound waves to collapse
into the room. As a teacher delivers a lecture, a portionwithin the space between the two surfaces rather
of the sound waves produced by his or her voicethan transmit directly into the classroom, and also
reflects from the numerous hard surfaces within theserves to protect adjoining classrooms from sound
room, a behavior known as sound reflection.transmitting out of the treated room.
Reverberations delivered back into a classroom-Absorbing sound reflections: Controlling sound
interfere with the intended sound, and is thus one ofreverberations caused by voices and other sounds
the sound wave behaviors targeted in soundproofing awithin a classroom can be accomplished quite easily
classroom.through the installation of absorptive sound panels
-Multiple voices competing within the room. Studentsalong the walls and potentially the ceiling of the room.
can strengthen important fundamental skills by workingAbsorptive sound treatments are available in a variety
with a team or partner on a project, but a noisyof styles to meet the requirements of different
classroom environment can make group work difficult.applications, including Class A Fire Rated panels ideal
With numerous people speaking at the same time, afor the classroom environment.
jumble of voices reflects from the hard surfaces in theProperly implemented, soundproofing treatments can
classroom, and the resulting reverberations interfereaffect a major improvement in the quality of a learning
with audibility throughout the room. Heightened noiseenvironment. Combating sound transmission and
levels are exacerbated as students speak more loudlyreverberation in a classroom results in better acoustics
in order to be heard.for lecture and group work while minimizing outside
In order to prevent outside noise from bleeding in anddistractions that could otherwise hinder academic
combat reverberations created within a classroom,performance.