How do I create the most engaging learning environment for students?
Fun posters, stickers and whiteboards are best left to the teaching staff but as a builder, the single best way to optimise a classroom’s acoustics is through the materials you use.
But why do classroom acoustics matter and how do I make a listener-friendly environment? Find out in the blog below where we share our number one way to improve acoustics in schools.
Effects of poor classroom acoustics
Excessive noise is a huge distraction for people of all ages, but for our kids it can be detrimental.
Younger minds are more susceptible to losing focus, and when school is such a critical part of their formative years, a great learning environment is vital.
The effects of poor acoustics include:
- poor speech perception,
- poor student behaviour, and
- listener fatigue (capacity to learn is limited because the cognitive load is spent blocking out excess noise).
All of the above factors negatively affect education outcomes, but we can turn those around by facilitating a classroom with A-grade acoustics.
Our top tip to improve acoustics
Now that we know too much noise is enemy number one when it comes to focused learning, how do we prevent it?
Echoey classrooms and external noise sources are the root of the problem, and the single best way to solve it is acoustic wall panels and ceiling tiles (our favourite for ceilings is the Armstrong Ultima range).
We find that treating the walls and ceilings have the largest impact on acoustics and it’s why we recommend it as a starting point. From here, you can assess the acoustics and make additional adjustments as required.
Autex Acoustics: the best pick for acoustic wall panels
The range from Autex Acoustics are our number one pick for all your acoustic needs. It’s a certified Ceilings by Design best-seller for a reason!
They’re an Aussie brand that delivers high quality and amazing results every time.
The entire Autex catalogue is 100% polyester with no binder chemicals, so it’s safe for you to handle and safe for the kids.
Plus, they truly do design for the next generation with sustainability in mind. Each product is made partially (minimum 45%) of recycled materials.
And it gets better! Enjoy the extra benefits of Autex acoustics products:
- Non-flammable and comply with NCC including downlight requirements
- No safety equipment required for handling and installation
- Mould, mildew, moisture, and vermin resistant
- Maintains shape and ratings over time
- Suitable for use in Green Star buildings
- 50-year product warranty
- Every Autex product complies with both Volume 1 (commercial) and Volume 2 (residential) Australian National Construction Codes
Classroom acoustics standards Australia
When keeping acoustics in mind in your classroom fit out, you’ll need to ensure you meet the Australian and New Zealand standards:
- Unoccupied sound levels <35 dB
- Occupied sound levels <50 dB
Ceilings by Design: in a class of its own
To facilitate the learning of our youth, good classroom acoustics are a necessity, and the easiest way to achieve it is with Autex acoustic wall panels.
Not sure which Autex Acoustics product you need for your fit out? Contact us today for product assistance and how we can supply the best product for your needs.
Ceilings By Design are proud to help builders and architect’s design learning environments that are conducive to learning.
