Sources of Noise in Government Primary Schools in Finfinnee

Abstract

Most prior research on noise in educational environments has focused predominantly
on high-income countries, leaving limited knowledge about noise sources in learning
spaces within low-income contexts such as Ethiopia. This study addresses that gap by
surveying noise sources in primary schools in Finfinnee (Addis Ababa), Ethiopia. A
total of fifty-six government primary schools were randomly selected, and data were
collected from 2,300 children using structured questionnaires. Analysis revealed that
both internal and external noise sources significantly contributed to classroom
background noise, with internal sources exerting a greater impact. The most
frequently reported sources included classroom talk, idle students in school
compounds, noise from adjacent classrooms, religious organisations, and road traffic.
The prevalence of these noise sources varied across different city locations. The
findings suggest that noise in these schools originates from multiple sources, both
within and outside school compounds, underscoring the need for targeted
interventions to mitigate its impact on learning environments.