Acoustic Comfort in Learning Spaces: Moving Towards Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The association between learning spaces and new pedagogical approaches is a current issue. Research shows that the classical, more silent, master class is being bypassed by student centered methods with participative classes and active methodologies. Major efforts in teacher training are taken to help teachers implement these new approaches in their lessons. The conditions of the learning space are also influential. The following question is raised: Can acoustic comfort facilitate innovation and consequently help in the progress towards SDG? We have focused on public high schools in Spain (IES), in the Valencian Community. Data has been gathered from the visit to thirty high schools. International scientific studies and valid guidelines referring to noise have been reviewed. Findings on the research conclude that acoustic comfort is essential in education and is directly related with the implementation of emerging pedagogies. Likewise, the outcomes of the investigation hope to raise awareness among authorities and civil society that improvement of sound quality in learning spaces facilitates the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDG), particularly those concerning goal 3 (health and wellbeing), goal 4 (quality education) and goal 9 (sustainable infrastructures).

Architectural Indoor Analysis: A Holistic Approach to Understand the Relation of Higher Education Classrooms and Academic Performance

“…These studies provide evidence that acoustic comfort is fundamental to support sustainable learning environments, which implement active pedagogies [15].…”

“…The differences obtained between practice and lecture room in terms of predictor variables bring to the light the need to diagnose learning environments before designing changes in educational buildings. This research provides a self-reported way to measure indoor environments, as well as evidence concerning the modern university, which desires to combine several teaching methods.These studies provide evidence that acoustic comfort is fundamental to support sustainable learning environments, which implement active pedagogies [15].Illumination combines artificial lighting and daylight to offer visual support and it influences visual perception, cognitive processing, behaviour, learning and academic performance [16][17][18]. Therefore, lighting design perspectives should be task-driven, as well as focusing on comfort to human health and perception [19].…”

Transforming Learning Spaces on a Budget: Action Research and Service-Learning for Co-Creating Sustainable Spaces

“…Clearly explained in Education for Sustainable Development: A Roadmap [50] (p. 28), "The entire learning institution needs to be aligned with sustainable development principles, so that learning content and its pedagogies are reinforced by the way facilities are managed and how decisions are made within the institution". Well-designed, sustainable learning spaces require fewer expenses in terms of operating costs and promote responsible financial education [67].…”

A Real-Time Noise Monitoring System Based on Internet of Things for Enhanced Acoustic Comfort and Occupational Health

“…Scientific evidence reveals that enhanced acoustic comfort in companies or academics increases concentration and promotes better communication [27]- [30]. Not only does the acoustic comfort promote learning behaviours, but it also supports good teaching understanding [31]- [33]. In addition, providing acoustic comfort in hospitals reduces stress and sleeplessness created by high noise levels, decreases patient´s recovery time and promotes staff productivity.…”