More on designing classrooms
I recently blogged about designing classrooms with particular reference to Auditory and Visual considerations.
http://edorigami.edublogs.org/2008/08/08/designing-classroom/
This article in the New Zealand Herald and on Massey University’s Website, reinforces and supports this point well.
The Massey Study shows a marked improvement in students achievement with the use of a sound system to reinforce the teachers instruction.
Here is a quote from the press release.
“Tests given to pupils when the system was in use showed an increase of up to 60 per cent more correct answers.
Teachers also reported significant improvements in attention, co-operation and understanding of verbal instructions among pupils, major improvements in behaviour and quieter classrooms. They also noticed they were less likely to strain their voices to be heard and, as a result, were less likely to become tired.”
The estimation of cost for the sound systems is approximately $2000.00 per room. If the research followed through that you could have a marked improvement in test scores at one off cost of $80 per student (this is based on $2000per classroom 25 students per class), This is a brilliant opportunity to markedly improve taeching and learning in all our classes for a very small, one off, investment per student.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I can appreciate how a sound system might benefit students. I would enjoy the opportunity to deliver my lessons with the assistance of a sound system in the hope that it might produce those benefits suggested in the article. As a teacher with a special interest in educational outcomes for boys, I would be interested in any specific improvements for this group, particularly when we know how auditory processing plays such a significant role in what boys hear and respond to. Technology offers so much potential but as always, we need some hard evidence before we can secure funds to implement these ideas.
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August 21st, 2008 at 10:40 pm
To be honest - a microphone is the last thing I would want to give some teachers I know.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:44 am
Hi Colin
I am looking forwarded to getting hold of the research paper and the statistics that go with it. The newspaper reports is primary focused and I would like to see if any middle or senior school research is included.
I can imagine the impact that a sound system would have with some of the quiet and softly spoken teachers I know.
From my own experience, when I do Professional Learning sessions, I alway try to use a microphone to smooth out and even the sound levels.
I do also have nightmares about some people I know with very shrill and piercing voices (akin to fingernails on blackboards) when they are annoyed. That reinforced is …..
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