Quantitative assessment of classroom acoustics and its impact on student reception at UP Rural High School

Date

5-2025

Adviser

Leandro Angelo Miguel L. Sanchez

Principal

Mabel S. Buela

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between classroom acoustics and student reception at the University of the Philippines Rural High School (UPRHS). It focuses on how different room types, seating position in the classroom, and sound levels influence students’ ability to perceive spoken information. Four classrooms, two air-conditioned (MB 101, MB 110) and two non-air-conditioned (MB 104, MB 107), were assessed using three different sound levels: 70 dB, 80 dB, and 90 dB. Students in a 4 rows by 7 columns seating orientation were assigned to occupy three columns (1st column, 4th column, and 7th column) on each of the 4 rows except the 4th column, which only occupies 3 rows. They were asked to listen and write down words they would hear from a speaker, with reception measured by the number of correctly identified words. Results showed that air-conditioned classrooms produced significantly higher reception scores at 70 dB and 80 dB compared to non-air-conditioned rooms. However, at 90 dB, all classrooms, with or without aircon, showed a drop in the reception scores and their difference is no longer significant. Statistical analysis using a Paired-Samples t-test confirmed this finding, corresponding with auditory safety guidelines that identify 90 dB as a threshold where sound clarity declines. Moreover, seating position, both by row and column, did not affect student scores, as confirmed by the Kruskal-Wallis test results. Although some minor variations were observed through a descriptive analysis, they were not significant. These findings highlight that sound level and room acoustics, especially the presence of air-conditioning, play a greater role in student reception than seating position. Therefore, this study suggests that maintaining sound levels, around 70 db and 80 db, and improving classroom acoustic design, through architectural adjustments like air-conditioning, can enhance speech perception and facilitate improved classroom environments.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Notes

To access this capstone, please contact the UP Rural High School Library at uprhslibrary.uplb@up.edu.ph. You may also visit the library in person, provided you secure prior confirmation from the librarian. We will be happy to assist you.

Document Type

Capstone

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