Julie Dockrell|Bridget Shield
The Impact of Sound-Field Systems on Learning and Attention in Elementary School Classrooms
London South Bank University
purpose authors evaluated installation use soundfield systems investigate impact systems teaching learning elementary school classrooms methods evaluation included acoustic surveys classrooms questionnaire surveys students teachers experimental testing students without use soundfield systems article authors report students perceptions classroom environments objective data evaluating change performance cognitive academic assessments amplification 6month period results teachers positive use soundfield systems improving childrens listening attention verbal instructions time students amplified classrooms differ nonamplified classrooms reports listening conditions performance differ measures numeracy reading spelling use soundfield systems classrooms resulted significantly larger gains performance number correct items nonverbal measure speed processing measure listening comprehension analysis controlling classroom acoustics indicated students listening comprehension scores improved significantly amplified classrooms poorer acoustics amplified classrooms better acoustics conclusions teacher ratings student performance standardized tests indicated soundfield systems improved performance childrens understanding spoken language however academic attainments showed benefits use soundfield systems classroom acoustics significant factor influencing efficacy soundfield systems children classes poorer acoustics benefited listening comprehension whereas additional benefit children classrooms better acoustics