Let's "Hear" It for Our Students -- Amplification System Improves Performance & Behavior

Michelle Perkinson

Sound-field FM technology is an exciting educational tool that allows control of the acoustic environment in a classroom. The purpose of sound-field amplification is to amplify the teacher’s voice throughout the classroom, thereby providing a clear and consistent signal to all pupils in the room no matter where they or the teacher are located.

A significant number of High Point School students are benefiting from sound-field FM amplification. Many of these students have learning disabilities, have difficulty attending to a given task or speaker, and/or have auditory processing problems. Hearing is a first-order event for classrooms, since information and instructions are orally presented for 45-60% of the time during the school day. If children are unable to accurately perceive oral information provided within the classroom environment, their academic potential is compromised.

Michelle Perkinson, a speech-language pathologist, spearheaded a pilot program with two sound-field FM systems in 2001. Due to the success of that program, a total of six FM systems have now been equally distributed in the High Point Adolescent and Elementary School programs.

The ability to hear word/sound distinctions is a primary basis for the development of academic competencies. The part of the brain that is most active when a child is reading is the same part that is most active when a child is listening. Therefore, we believe the FM system is particularly valuable in assisting young children who are still developing language skills. Teachers of the FM amplified classrooms in the Elementary School report that they do not have to speak loudly to be clearly heard and have noted reduced vocal strain. They also indicate their students demonstrate better on-task behaviors and increased ability to follow directions. Other staff members, who conduct “special programs” in those classrooms, consider the system similarly helpful. Students also enjoy using the microphone when giving oral reports.

Staff and students report strong satisfaction with the use of the FM system. It is an important classroom tool that can help students of all ages and abilities achieve their learning potential.

11/18/2005