Chaos Within the Classroom: The Connection Between Noise Levels in Preschool Classrooms and Teacher Mood

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting Early Childhood Teachers' and Students' Mental Health

Abstract

Research indicates that noise pollution can have detrimental effects on the health and well-being of employees in occupational settings. In particular, a burgeoning amount of research has begun to call attention to the debilitating effects of high noise levels in child care environments. The present study included four preschool classrooms in two child care centers. Noise samples were taken in each classroom every five minutes across a three-hour observation. Teachers immediately reported their mood after each sample. Findings revealed that teachers were more likely to report negative emotions when noise levels were higher, though these trends did not quite reach statistical significance. More research is needed to examine what further effects noise levels may have on teachers and children.

Author

• Jessica Lauren Degol, Penn State Altoona