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How noisily distracted are your students?

How distracted do your students get when there’s some level of noise outside? Most students find it difficult to pay attention in the class and in other areas of study when there is a lot of noise in the background, as it affects their concentration.


Not all students are affected the same way due to background noises and there are a few factors that help to determine whether noise pollution is really a distraction or not.


Noise distraction and learning style

The three most commonly recognised style of are – visual learning, tactile learning and auditory learning. It is important for the teacher to discover the types of learning styles that each student prefers. learning


Noise Distraction and Personality Type

The two-personality types that teachers may recognise in their classes are introverts and extroverts. While introverts are those who keep to themselves and talk less to others, extroverts are those who talk more and actively interact with others. It is important to note that the individual personality type has nothing to do with the student’s ability or intelligence.


A study has revealed that noise is more harmful to introverts extroverts, when it comes to study time. It was observed that introvert students found it more difficult to understand what they were reading when put in a noisy environment. Than



Avoiding Noise Distraction

Sometimes students do not realise how background noise affects their performance. Here are some tips to help them overcome low grades –

  • Advise students to switch off the mp3s and mobile phones while studying. Though music is good for the health, it hinders a student’s concentration while studying.

  • Ask the students to avoid watching television while studying or doing their homework. Television shows and movies contain plots and dialogues which can distract them. In case they live in a family that watches TV during study time, they can shift to another room to study.

  • Advise the students to use earplugs while studying, to block out noise effectively.

  • Advise the students to use a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earphones that aid in cancelling any background noise.

These recommendations might help to make a difference in the student's performance, especially if they are exposed to noisy environments.

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