Panasonic WX-LR100 Promoting the Usefulness of Classroom Amplification - Page 1

Promoting the Usefulness of Classroom Amplification Equipment (Summary) Educational Audiology Monograph, 1993, 3, pp. 32-33 Laurie Allen The use of sound field amplification equipment has been found to be an innovative prevention/intervention strategy for students in almost all educational settings. Research has documented that there exists a positive correlation between the use of classroom amplification and improved student academic achievement. Sound field amplification systems typically include a transmitter/microphone, a receiver, a two channel amplifier and four speakers. The use of sound field amplification has many advantages in education including students who are more attentive and less distracted and teachers who require fewer direction repetitions. Teachers are able to speak normally without having to strain their voice which leads to reduced vocal abuse. After a sound field amplification system is installed, principals should be encouraged to spend time in the classroom to have firsthand experience. Also, students and teachers should fill out feedback questionnaires to show the benefits of using sound field amplification in classrooms to school boards, superintendents and local service organizations. Ninety (90) elementary school teachers were surveyed regarding the usefulness of different classroom equipment. Each teacher was asked to prioritize the same list of equipment and rank them according to their usefulness. The list included: • A cassette tape recorder • An overhead projector • A television • A sound field classroom amplification system (CAE) • A camcorder movie camera • A computer Continued...