Editing Classroom (section)

===Acoustics===
[[File:Classroom at üü.jpg|thumb|A classroom in [[Üsküdar University]], [[Istanbul]], Turkey]]
The acoustics of the classroom are very often overlooked, but are an important part of the success of a child. Choosing only materials that cause sound to reverberate, such as tile floors and hard wall surfaces, greatly increases noise levels and can prove detrimental to learning. One study of hyperactive versus control groups of children found that white noise has no impact on either group, but that auditory stimulation such as distant conversations or music has a negative effect on both groups of students. Children with [[attention deficit disorder]] scored higher on tests when white noise was being pumped into the classroom than when music was played. The control group of children as well as the hyperactive group of children averaged the same test scores when there was no sound as when white noise was being played.<ref>{{citation |title=Effects of classroom noise on performance and activity of second-grade hyperactive and control children |author1=Zentall, Sydney S. |author2=Shaw, Jandira H.  |journal=Journal of Educational Psychology |volume=72 |issue=6 |date=December 1980 |pages=830–840 |doi=10.1037/0022-0663.72.6.830|pmid=7204739}}</ref>

By utilizing soft surfaces, especially on the floor, the sounds within and outside of the classroom will be diminished, taking away from the distractions facing students and improving not just the test scores of hyperactive children, but those without attention deficit disorder as well. Although carpet is an obvious choice for sound absorption, it may not be suitable for high traffic areas like hallways. In such cases, other sound absorbing materials, such as cork, can be used. The use of sound absorbing ceiling tiles may also be a wise choice for areas where carpet cannot be used for practical purposes.