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 at preliminary stage. The purpose with the present study was to elucidate experiences of disturbing sounds and its interplay with the individual and the school activity. A total of 16 pupils, aged from 18 to 20, participated in focus group interviews. The main questions were developed to elucidate experiences concerning (a) perceptions of disturbing sounds; (b) the influence on emotions and (c) ongoing activity. The informants expressed chatter as the most disturbing sound in schools. This disturbing sound induced stress symptoms, such as irritation, headache, tiredness and energy loss. These stress symptoms were seen as affecting ongoing activity, including difficulties to concentrate, starting up something new and slowing down work. However, the perceived degree of impairment of the ongoing activity was dependent on the task to learn and perform, the interest in the subject, as well as the teachers' authority and methods.