Noise annoyance in schools - An interview study with pupils

摘要

The research on noise annoyance in school settings with moderate outdoor noise levels is atpreliminary stage. The purpose with the present study was to elucidate experiences ofdisturbing sounds and its interplay with the individual and the school activity. A total of 16pupils, aged from 18 to 20, participated in focus group interviews. The main questions weredeveloped to elucidate experiences concerning (a) perceptions of disturbing sounds; (b) theinfluence on emotions and (c) ongoing activity. The informants expressed chatter as the mostdisturbing sound in schools. This disturbing sound induced stress symptoms, such asirritation, headache, tiredness and energy loss. These stress symptoms were seen as affectingongoing activity, including difficulties to concentrate, starting up something new and slowingdown work. However, the perceived degree of impairment of the ongoing activity wasdependent on the task to learn and perform, the interest in the subject, as well as the teachers'authority and methods.