Reducing Classroom Noise: Factors and Insights

SUMMARY

Existing Knowledge:

1. Educational environments often exceed recommended noise levels, with negative impacts on learning and hearing.

2. Research has largely focused on external noise or isolated factors rather than their interactions.

3. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends classroom noise levels not exceed 35–55 dBA for optimal learning conditions.

New Insights:

1. Classroom and laboratory noise levels in Saudi universities range from 50–70 dBA, surpassing international standards.

2. A Design of Experiments (DoE) approach revealed 11 significant interactions among nine noise factors, including class size, equipment use, and air conditioning.

3. Key interactions, such as the combined effect of laptops, class size, and lecture duration, significantly contribute to noise levels.

Putting Research into Practice:

1. Noise Mitigation Strategies: Implement soundproofing and absorbent materials to address key interactive noise factors.

2. Equipment Management: Use modern, quieter equipment and limit simultaneous use of noisy devices.

3. Optimized Scheduling: Strategically plan class sizes and durations to minimize noise impacts.

Reference:
Alqahtani, A. Y., Makki, A. A., & Alidrisi, H. M. (2023). Revealing factors influencing classroom noise in the universities teaching and learning environment: A design of experiments approach. Journal of Engineering Research, 11, 100009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jer.2023.100009

Cite/Refer this summary: Ross, E. M. and Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Reducing Classroom Noise: Factors and Insights. Excellent Educator, 2 (2), 1.