Analysis of the factors affecting noise in schools using data mining and experimental design

Noise in the classroom makes it harder to follow the lesson and communication with the teacher. The noise level in school is one of the main parameters that effects the quality of the education. Noise in school affects the health and performance of teachers, administrators, officers as well as students. In this study, the investigation of acoustic insulation level of 4 schools in different locations was conducted in Turkey's metropolitan and industrial city of Bursa. Noise measurements were made in schools which were selected for this purpose. Noise measurements were made with four different situations, in classrooms and corridors during course hours and during breaks. Noise measurements were compared with limit values which are determined by World Health Organization (55dB) and noise regulation of Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, and also MINITAB 17 and Brüel Kjaer Measurement Partner Suite programs were used for analysis. According to the measurement results, it was found that the noise level in the classes was above both international and national limit values, and the existing insulation was insufficient. Acoustic insulation measures that can be taken in schools were investigated. Through Apriori analysis of teacher's surveys, it was obtained that there was no difference between the schools in terms of noise perception, and all teachers were disturbed by the noise.