Advice Corner
Using Soundfield Communications in the Classroom
Studies show that students learn up to 30 percent* more in classrooms with audio amplification. This means that the classroom experience can be improved for both teachers and students with soundfield reinforcement. Soundfield reinforcement provides voice amplification in a specific area to enable everyone in that area to more clearly hear the spoken word. Vocal strain is eased for teachers. Students can hear better. Overall, the school experience is improved.
A soundfield communications system in the classroom is comprised of a wireless headset microphone for the teacher, a wireless receiver (either RF or infrared), an amplifier, and speakers. Each teacher's wireless microphone operates on a different frequency (or on infrared) to eliminate interference from other classroom systems that are being utilized at the same time. The speakers can be portable units set up at the front of the classroom or can be permanently mounted on the wall or ceiling.
How do teachers benefit from Classroom Amplification?
- Teacher absenteeism from vocal fatigue is reduced
- Students stay on task
- Repetition of instructions is reduced greatly
- Voice problems diminish or completely disappear
- Classroom environment becomes calmer because the teacher does not have to raise his or her voice to keep the attention of the class
- Students gain confidence at public speaking while using the equipment and their peers can hear them well
- Teachers that are familiar with, and have used, classroom amplification found it to be the most useful piece of equipment over and above overhead projectors & computers
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Students that Benefit from Classroom Amplification
- Students with a temporary or permanent hearing loss (30% on any given day!)
- Students with high pitch loss (22% of all high school students)
- Learning Disabled Students
- Special Education Students
- ADD, Dyslexic Students
- ESL Students
- All students sitting in the back of a class (they miss 30% of what is said)
- Students in a noisy classroom environment
- Students in a team teaching environment
- Students in a classroom with a soft spoken teacher
- Students that struggle in reading, spelling and language development
- EVERY STUDENT. Long term studies show that overall scores go up 7% when every classroom is amplified (These findings were validated twice by the US Department of Education [MARRS Project*])
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 The implementation of soundfield systems in the classrooms is growing around the country. Schools in Michigan and Indiana have embraced this technology and are putting these systems in more and more of their classrooms. As more schools begin to explore this concept and investigate the various solutions that are available, Pentegra Systems is here to help in this process. We can evaluate your needs and provide the right soundfield solution for your school. Whether it is a portable or installed system, RF or infrared, we can provide the system that best fits your needs and budget.
* MARRS is the National Diffusion Network (NDN) project that uses a wireless FM microphone system for soundfield amplification of the classroom teacher's voice in order to enhance oral instruction, lessen teacher voice fatigue, and improve student academic achievement. Amplification of the teacher's voice above background noise is provided to all students in the classroom so that those in the back row can hear as clearly as those in the front of the class.
This project resulted in the discovery that the quality of oral instruction is enhanced with amplification since all children receive a clear audible instruction signal throughout the classroom, regardless of interfering noise and where they are seated. Teachers using amplification report improved student attention, fewer distractions, and less need to repeat instruction. Classroom management is enhanced and discipline problems are diminished because the teacher has better voice-control of every student in the classroom. Almost all students comment the amplified voice helps them pay attention, better understand oral direction, shut out distracting noises and hear the teacher without straining. The evidence for improved teaching and quality of instruction is reflected in the statistically significant gains in reading and language achievement test scores for K-6 students included in classrooms using amplification (students with and without hearing loss). These improvements were evident after only one year of use and the improved academic scores have been maintained for as much as 3 years. The amplification was found to be more cost effective than supplementary resource room instruction in: 1) staff utilization (requiring fewer personnel to achieve the same or superior academic growth), 2) lower initial and continuing educational costs and 3) personal costs to students who avoided the stigma, segregation and restrictions of special placement.
Call us today at 630-941-6000 to let us show you the various soundfield solutions that are available and how Pentegra Systems can implement the right solution for your school.
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