Background Noise in English Second Language Teaching and Learning

Classrooms are generally noisier and more active places today than in past decades. Learners are expected to interact more as they learn. This may create barriers to communication and impose constraints on young listeners when they are taught English as a second language (Nelson & Soli, 2000). 

Learning a new language has number challenges, such as inability to decipher the sound system of the language.  Young learners need clear signals and low background noise ratio (SNR) for full hearing and understanding. Improving classroom acoustics is essential for learners in schools, more especially for young learners in the early grades (Nelson & Soli, 2000).

There are common options used to reduce the background noise in a teaching and learning environment to improve the listening, speaking, learning and teaching environment in a classroom. There are common options to reduce noise levels, they are by hanging curtains and fitting tennis balls on the chair legs.  Also, there is a Dynamic Sound Field Amplified System (DSAS) as one way to improve the audibility in the classroom.