Until recently, there has been minimal discussion when it comes to the negative effect that noise and excessive reverberation has on the learning process. The cognitive performance of both children and adults is reduced by noise. The ideal classroom should be acoustically friendly for all children regardless of ability and should cater for a range of teaching styles in common practice today. Good acoustics should be one of the primary design considerations for all new classrooms, and existing buildings should be re-assessed for their acoustic properties. However, there are no Australia-wide regulations or standards that encompass all aspects of the acoustical qualities of educational and training facilities. Whilst the National Construction Code details minimum standards for buildings, it does not provide specific recommendations for educational facilities.
