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Soundproofing a Classroom

Ecole Bilingue de Berkley – Multi-color AlphaSorb Anchorage wall panel configuration in the classroom for good acoustics.

École Bilingue de Berkley – Multi-color AlphaSorb® Anchorage wall panel configuration in the classroom for good acoustics.

Good acoustics play an important role in the effectiveness of instructional spaces. Classrooms with excessive noise reverberation make it difficult for students to understand the lessons. Children with learning disabilities have a far more difficult time paying attention to their teacher. This is neither good for the student or the rest of the class. Soundproofing a classroom can enhance the learning experience.

Recently, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) along with representatives from the acoustics industry issued the paper “Position Statement and Guidelines for Acoustics in Educational Settings.” Outlined in the paper are several suggested guidelines concerning maximum ambient background noise. The paper suggested a Reverberation Time (RT 60) of .5 seconds (in the speech intelligibility range), in the classroom.

When Soundproofing A Classroom, Here Are Some Suggestions Concerning Acoustical Treatment Location

St Christopher’s School using AlphaSorb Barrier Wall Panels to reduce ambient noise in room and block sound transmission in this classroom.

St Christopher’s School using AlphaSorb® Barrier Wall Panels to reduce ambient noise in room and block sound transmission in this classroom.

  • Install absorption materials on the rear wall opposite the instructor. Don’t cover them with hard reflective posters or surfaces.
  • Add acoustical treatment to the rear ceiling area, keeping the front ceiling to midway reflective to help with projection of the instructor’s voice.
  • If required to reach the suggested reverberation time of .5 seconds, add additional acoustic treatment to the upper side walls or the walls opposite windows.

Using these guidelines when soundproofing a classroom will greatly increase the student’s ability to understand the instructor. Also, this will also create a better learning environment.

To create this better learning environment, we suggest using our AlphaSorb® Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panels. Installing the panels on the rear wall opposite the instructor will cut down on the excessive noise reverberation and echoing. The panels will answer your acoustical and aesthetic needs with their strong sound absorbing performance, durability and elegant appearance.

Adding Sonex® Contour Ceiling Tiles to the rear ceiling area will help with the projection of the instructors voice. Sonex® Contour Panels do not have a backer and are for mounting as an acoustic wall panel or ceiling tile using a water base adhesive.


To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.

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