Active learning classroom configurations and the effects on speech intelligibility Free

For high academic achievement, it is critical that the acoustic environment of classrooms and other learning spaces provide the proper conditions for good speech communication between teacher and students. While there is a significant body of research regarding traditional classroom seating arrangements, less is known regarding the acoustical impacts of “active learning classroom” configurations. Active learning classrooms are typically furnished with mobile tables and chairs that are easily reconfigured in a variety of learning arrangements. Additionally, in an active learning environment, there is typically no fixed position from which the teacher will lecture. While active learning spaces provide flexibility and mobility, which is advantageous for student engagement, they also create a complex acoustic environment where both source and receiver positions have a continually shifting spatial relationship. Using design guidelines found in ANSI/ASA S12.60-2010/Part 1, this study will use computer simulated environments to explore various active learning space configurations and compare the results to generally accepted acoustical performance criteria for RT, C80, STI, and RASTI.