Effects of Classroom Noise on Teaching and Learning of High School Students in Jakarta

This study concerns classroom noise of high school in Jakarta, Indonesia. Goals of this study are to investigate sources of school noise, effects of noise on teaching and learning of high school students, determine the relationship between noise levels and degree of annoyance. and experiments to reduce school noise levels.120 students, between ages 1922 years took part in study. Noise measurements, questionnaire, and experiments for restrictions of noise levels were carried out. Measured noise levels LAeq were ranged between 61.3 and 73.2 dB. There was strong relationship between noise levels and percentage of highly annoyed respondents. Analysis of the responses to the questionnaire found that 57 % of respondents said that noise obstructed their learning achievement. Respondents said that road traffic, railway noise, chatter in class room and scraping sounds from tables and chairs were the most annoying sources. Results of restrictions to improve environmental conditions found that, in absence of road traffic noise, maximum reductions LAeq were 12.4 dB. Absence of railway noise, LAeq was decreased 11.3 dB. Absence of chatter in class room and scraping sounds from tables and chairs LAeq was decreased 8.2 dB. This shows that town planner can use various strategies to change school noise composition in order to achieve quieter environments at schools.