Previous research has demonstrated the considerable influence of acoustics on learning and acquisition of knowledge, on social behavior and on the psychic condition of pupils and teachers. This paper describes an approach to an acoustic school design, which includes the improvement of the acoustic conditions of classrooms as well as of the social conditions. Various measures were developed and explored within the project "GanzOhrSein" by the educational department of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich. The conclusion is drawn, that it is not enough to improve the room-acoustic measures to contribute to an atmosphere in which listening and in consequence learning is facilitated. A school design should combine technical measures with educational activities to support listening at schools and so contribute to improve individual learning conditions and to diminish stress on students and teachers.
Results of noise research indicate that communication, and as a result, teaching, learning and the social atmosphere are impeded by noise in schools. The development of strategies to reduce noise levels has often not been effective. A more promising approach seems to be to pro-actively support the ability to listen and to understand. The presentation describes the approach to an acoustic and social school design developed and explored within the project ‘‘GanzOhrSein’’ by the Education Department of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich. The scope includes an analysis of the current ‘‘school soundscape,’’ an introduction to the concept of the project to improve individual listening abilities and the conditions for listening, as well as practical examples and relevant research results. We conclude that an acoustic school design should combine acoustic changes in classrooms with educational activities to support listening at schools and thus contribute to improving individual learning conditions and to reducing stress on both pupils and teachers.
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