The evaluation of studies that investigates the level, effects and control of noise pollution in primary schools

Noise pollution at school is a problem that negatively affects school climate, an effective and healthy educational environment, as well asone's physical, physiological and psychological health in the long term. For the purpose of taking a step towards solving this problem, this present study aims to analyse the level and effects of noise pollution at primary school and to assess the studies on noise control at school. The sample of this study consisted of a state school and a private school located in the district of Nilüfer, city of Bursa, in Turkey as well as 63 teachers who serve in these schools and 432 students who study there. The data required for this study were collected with the Brüel & Kjær 2250-L noise measurement instrument, a survey for teachers, a survey for students, teacher interview form, student interview form and school observation form. The analysis and interpretation of the data collected were performed based on the mixed method, which involves the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the qualitative data. As for the analysis of the quantitative data, frequency, average, standard deviation as well as paired sample t-test for comparative analyses were used. This study further benefited from Noise At Work software to create noise maps. The findings from the measurement obtained from some parts of the schools showed that the average noise level of the classrooms was 66.83dB(A) during the lecture; that the average noise level in the corridor was 55.89dB(A); the classrooms, the corridors and the school yard was 82.32dB(A), 81.57 dB(A) and 66.25 dB(A), respectively during the break; that the average noise level in the cafeteria and in the gyms was 86.25dB(A) and 85.23dB(A), respectively. On the other hand, the findings from the measurement obtained from the state schools showed that the average noise level in the school yard was 61.789dB(A) during the lecture; that the average noise level in the corridor was 58.30dB(A); that the average noise level of the classrooms was 66.67dB(A); that the average noise level in the school yard, the corridors and the canteen was 75.33dB(A), 82.67dB(A) and 75.12dB(A), respectively, during the break; that the average noise level in the cafeteria and in the teachers' room was 85.72dB(A) and 75.82dB(A), respectively. Also, the resonance level in the classrooms, the corridors and the cafeteriaat the private primary schools were 1.37s, 5.67s and 5.15s, respectively whilst the resonance level in the classrooms, the corridors and the cafeteria at the state primary schools were 4.14s, 5.55s and 4.55s, respectively. Notably, these measured values are far above the limits set by the Regulation on the Protection of Buildings Against Noise (2017). Efforts were made to control the noise pollution at school, resulting in reduction in noise levels in certain parts of the schools from about 3dB(A) to 17dB(A). However, even though there was a decrease in noise level, the level was still far above the limits. The class teachers expressed that the overall noise level at the schools was moderate; yet, this study revealed that the noise level was high. Moreover, the teachers found that the acoustic environment of their classrooms was good, but the findings of this study pointed out that it was moderate. Similarly, the teachers stated that the noise level inside the school was high during the break and that the noise level during the entry and exit of the students, in the cafeteria or in the canteen was high; on the other hand, this study found that the noise level in these parts was very high. The students expressed that the overall noise level at the schools was high, which was found very high based on the findings of this study. With the average of their levels of agreement with the statements increasing, the students found the noise level in the classrooms during the lecture moderate, that at the schools during the break very high, that in the school cafeteria, canteen, during the entry and exit of the students high, and that in the school environment high. Besides, both the teachers and the students disturbed the behaviours which cause noise. The teachers stated that the noise they are exposed to affects their physical, physiological and psychological health negatively and they suffer from headache, distraction, nervous fatigue, tinnitus, unwillingness, unhappiness, weakness, boredom, depression, as well as hearing loss. The observations made in the schools on their physical structure and acoustic designs emphasized that they are sound-reflective, rather than sound-absorbing and they are not suitable for proper education. Based on the teacher opinions, efforts to control noise pollution raised awareness among the students, enhanced their awareness levels, made adjustments to the school bell and announcements, had a positive impact on the students for adjusting their tones, changed their perspective on the noise at the school and enabled them to become aware on noise in general. The students expressed that these efforts were slightly effective, that their screaming and yelling decreased, and that their behaviours at home also changed. On the other hand, one student stated that these efforts on noise were not effective at all. This study suggests that training efforts to control existing noise pollution at school should be long-term and consistent and that proper acoustic design practices need to be implemented on school buildings. Keywords: Noise, noise pollution at school, noise map, effect of noise, control of noise *This doctoral dissertation was carried out within the scope of the project no. 114K738, "Noise Pollution in School: Causes, Effects and Control", supported by TÜBİTAK 1001 program.