The Invisible Reason For Why Johnny Can't Read. Poor classroom acoustics create a negative learning environment for many students, especially those with hearing or learning difficulties. Poor classroom acoustics are frustrating for both students and teachers, as indicated in teacher surveys. Noise Impacts Students Studies have shown that poor classroom acoustics negatively affect learning. Walls, ceilings and floors not properly insulated can also contribute to noise.
Noise sources can also come from exterior sources such as aircraft and highway traffic.
Whether the noise source is interior or exterior, student's learning suffers. In a landmark study by Dr. The researchers found that by sixth grade, the students on the noisy side of the school tested one year behind those on the quiet side of the school. In a follow-up study in 1981, noise abatement had been provided by the Transit Authority and the Board of Education and Dr. Bronzaft found that reading scores between the two groups were equal. Deficits in reading and language skills due to poor classroom acoustics are cumulative, therefore, the effects of poor classroom acoustics on the very young student can be devastating.