Sound Learning The Biology of Hearing Ears Hear, the Brain Listens The brains auditory network is not fully developed until about the age of 15 years. Children listen differently than adults and require a quieter environment and stronger auditory signal in order to learn (Cole, 2006: McCarty & Ure, 2003: Flexer, 2002; Rosenberg et al., 1999). The McGurk Affect Sound Wave EnergySound Wave Energy Basic Sound Terminology Amplitude Point of greatest pressure which we hear as Volume; Intensity - often expressed in Decibels (dB). Frequency Rate per second which we hear as Pitch; often expressed in Hertz (Hz). Basic Sound Terminology Transmission The sound passes through the surface into the space beyond it. Absorption The surface absorbs the sound. Reflection The sound strikes the surface and changes direction. Diffusion The sound strikes the surface and is scattered in many directions. Spaces are complex; these can all happen at once! Decibel and Sound Pressure LevelDecibel and Sound Pressure Level The decibel ( dB ) is used to measure sound level, but it is also widely used in electronics, signals and communication. The dB is a logarithmic unit used to describe a ratio. The ratio may be power, sound pressure, voltage, or intensity. Decibel and Sound Pressure LevelDecibel and Sound Pressure Level Sound pressure level (SPL) or sound level is a logarithmic measure of the effective sound pressure of a sound relative to a reference value. It is measured in decibels (dB) above a standard reference level. An Amazing Air Pressure Gauge The ears are an incredibly sensitive organ. Range of frequency sensitivity from 20 Hz to Hz (20 kHz). The commonly used "zero" reference sound pressure in air is 20 Pa RMS, which corresponds to the threshold of human hearing (at 1 kHz). Decibel and NOISE Nature of Noise Noise is the unwanted, uncontrollable, or unpredictable sounds that intrude upon our lives. Sources of NOISE in the classroom Sources within the CLASSROOM such as students talking, scuffing of shoes on the floor, chairs scraping, technology, loud or intermittent air conditioning and ventilation equipment. Also, distance from the teacher. Within the BUILDING including classroom activity and noise from hallways, the cafeteria, PE and recess spaces. Sources OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING such as traffic, aircraft, playgrounds, and construction. Sound Samples Open Space Elementary Recess Classroom A Middle School Classroom (Empty) Classroom A Full Class NOISE Research A Bronzaft and McCarthy (1975) study examined the reading scores of children attending classes facing an elevated train structure and compared their scores with those of children attending school on the quiet side of the building. Sound Samples Classroom B High School; Small Class Classroom B High School; Large Class with Background Noise Classroom C Elementary with HVAC noise NOISE Research Findings By the 6 th grade, children on the noisy side of the building were nearly a year behind the students on the quiet side. Children on the noisy side complained about difficulty concentrating and teachers complained about exhaustion from teaching in noisy classrooms. Sound Samples Large Space Gymnasium during Parent Teacher Meetings Large Space Physical Education space with HVAC noise Office Space NOISE Research After treatment of the classrooms and tracks, the reading scores of the students on both sides of the building were found to be the same (Bronzaft, 1981). NOISE Research Members of Phi Beta Kappa, Bronzaft (1996) found that they tended to come from homes that respected quiet. They had dedicated places to study and read. Background media was tempered. Discipline was soft and firm rather than shouting or screaming. A Culture of Respect for Quiet NOISE Research Students in general need at least a 10 decibel Signal to Noise ratio. A 15 dB difference is ideal. In general, a survey of actual conditions in schools indicate a SNR from +5 to -7 db In homes where parents and children share quieter times, there are more opportunities to talk, and therefore LISTEN. NOISE Noises dont have to be loud. The sonic environment is becoming more crowded (and louder) as more elements compete for your attention. Isolation is not a solution. The damage from personal devices can be just as severe. Classroom Listening Environment Information in speech is contained in the consonant sounds. The human voice is not designed to project consonant sounds. The frequency range of consonants makes them susceptible to the overall ambient sound level. Whos Listening? Students under the age of 15 Students in poverty. They receive only 20% of early verbal stimulation before Kindergarten as their middle class peers (Hart & Risely, 1995, 2002). Learning Disabled English Language Learners (2 nd language learners) Children with Otitis Media (ear infection) Treatment Sound Enhancement Acoustic Applications Soundscapes Sound Enhancement Sound Field Amplification Systems Two Types: Radio Frequency and Infrared Strengths and Weaknesses These systems place the teachers voice all around the classroom. Wide range of benefits from proper system usage. Not just for hearing impaired listeners. They do not, however, compensate for poor acoustics. Sound Enhancement Michigan Intermediate School Students Show 10% Increase in Achievement. A minimum of 10% gains per year in student achievement was recorded, following four years of data collection after initial implementation of sound enhancement equipment installed in its intermediate school classrooms outside of Detroit, Michigan. (Deborah Edwards, Office of Student Services, Oakland Intermediate Schools, 2003 Oakland ISD Sound Enhancement Report) Sound Enhancement Literacy and Math Gains in Audio Enhanced Classrooms. Multiple year study of 3 rd and 4 th grade student cohort showed over 15% gains in Reading, Math, Language Arts, and Spelling over three year period as measured by Stanford-9 Achievement Tests (Boggs &McClanahan, Anaheim Public Schools, California, 2003). Sound Enhancement Effects of Sound Field Amplification on the Speech Perception of ESL Children. Children for whom English is a second language (ESL) exhibit greater speech perception difficulties than native English speaking children. This investigation noted that the speech perception abilities of ESL children were significantly improved with the use of sound field systems (Crandell, University of Florida in Gainesville, 2000). Sound Enhancement Effects of Sound Field Amplification on Students On-Task Behavior. It was found that the observed students in amplified elementary school classrooms showed an average 17% increase in their overall on-task behavior. It was concluded that amplifying the teachers voices enhanced the students listening learning environment, which resulted in a positive effect on their on-task behavior (Allen, Dubuque Iowa Public Schools, 1996). Sound Enhancement Significantly lower teacher absenteeism Phonemic awareness increased Reduced fatigue and stress for all Benefits for At Risk and Special Needs Learners Acoustic Applications Zone of projection in the primary delivery space. Zone of absorption in the primary listening space. Installation pieces on opposing, hard, parallel walls (bookcases, bulletin boards, curtains, etc.) For further control of echo, acoustic tiles around the top perimeter to further disrupt the reflection of sound. Absorptive back wall. Acoustic Applications The acoustic tile drop ceilings and hidden problems. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Background thresholds of 35dB, (A-weighted) for the maximum sound level within a classroom. Orchestrating the Soundscape Background Music The results are mixed, but there are many positive stories involving classical music. Specifically, music from the Baroque period with its steady pulse and harmonic content is useful. Music for Learning, Music for Concentration, Music for Thinking by Advanced Brain Technologies Modified with psychoacoustic and accelerated learning technologies to craft the music for a specific purpose. Orchestrating the Soundscape Natural Sounds Bird Song, Wind, Water, Chimes We are programmed to be at ease when the birds are singing; its when they stop that we should be concerned. Orchestrating the Soundscape Create a focal point for the ears during the spaces of instruction. This keeps students from feeling compelled to fill the space themselves. It provides a pleasant texture in which students can be with their thoughts. Orchestrating the Soundscape Listen with Intent Inside and Outside Sound Health