Sounds of learning: Soundscapes - teacher perceptions of acoustic environments in Finland's open plan classrooms

Elina Hytönen-Ng, Kaisa Pihlainen
University of Eastern Finland, Finland
Kwok Ng
University of Eastern Finland, Finland; University of Limerickk, Ireland; University of Turku, Finland
Eija Kärnä
University of Eastern Finland, Finland

The construction of new schools has undergone much debate as children and teachers spend a significant proportion of their lives in physical learning environments in schools. The school soundscape is central but often underestimated. In this study, we investigated teachers' experiences of soundscapes in two modern Finnish comprehensive schools by interviewing teachers (N=10). In addition, we analysed the data by the constant comparative method. According to the results, the school architecture influenced the soundscape and organisation of teaching. The designs of the schools encouraged collaborative learning through open plan learning spaces and flexible classrooms. Yet, the open plan learning environment and its soundscape did not always support the instructional needs of all children. We conclude that soundscape design should consider both the learning needs of children, and the well-being of both children and teachers.
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Authors: Dr Elina Hytönen-Ng (corresponding author) holds the title of docent in ethnomusicology at the University of Turku. She is a cultural researcher who has specialised in the study of musical and sonic experiences. She has been an academic visitor at the Faculty of Music, University of Oxford, and a visiting research fellow at King's College London. Currently, she is the primary investigator in a three-year project, funded by Kone foundation, focusing on lamenting rituals in contemporary Finnish society. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4082-2490 Email: elina.hytonen-ng@uef.fi Dr Kaisa Pihlainen works as a post-doctoral researcher (tenure track) at the Philosophical Faculty, University of Eastern Finland. She has participated in many national and international development and research projects. Currently, her research topics focus on learning environments, participation, well-being, and the use of digital technology across the lifespan. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9437-4481 Email: kaisa.pihlainen@uef.fi Dr Kwok Ng holds the title of docent of 'Health Promotion and Adapted Physical Activity'. He currently holds active joint posts at the School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Finland; Faculty of Education, University of Turku, Finland; and Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; and Faculty of Education, University of Turku, Finland. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5461-7706. Social media: twitter @kwokwng Email: kwok.ng@uef.fi Professor Eija Kärnä works as a professor of Special Education at the University of Eastern Finland. Professor Kärnä has been a principal investigator in many national and international multidisciplinary development and research projects. Her research interests are inclusive learning environments, technology for individuals with special needs, and digital literacy of various age groups. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8107-3604 Email: eija.karna@uef.fi Please cite as: Hytönen-Ng, E., Pihlainen, K., Ng, K. & Kärnä, E. (2022). Sounds of learning: Soundscapes - teacher perceptions of acoustic environments in Finland's open plan classrooms. Issues in Educational Research, 32(4), 1421-1440. http://www.iier.org.au/iier32/hytonen-ng.pdf