Panasonic WX-LA20 Manual

Promoting the Usefulness of Classroom
Amplification Equipment (Summary)
Educational Audiology Monograph, 1993, 3, pp. 32-33
Laurie Allen
The use of sound field amplification equipment has been found to be an
innovative prevention/intervention strategy for students in almost all educational
settings. Research has documented that there exists a positive correlation
between the use of classroom amplification and improved student academic
achievement.
Sound field amplification systems typically include a transmitter/microphone, a
receiver, a two channel amplifier and four speakers. The use of sound field
amplification has many advantages in education including students who are more
attentive and less distracted and teachers who require fewer direction
repetitions. Teachers are able to speak normally without having to strain their
voice which leads to reduced vocal abuse.
After a sound field amplification system is installed, principals should be
encouraged to spend time in the classroom to have firsthand experience. Also,
students and teachers should fill out feedback questionnaires to show the
benefits of using sound field amplification in classrooms to school boards,
superintendents and local service organizations.
Ninety (90) elementary school teachers were surveyed regarding the usefulness
of different classroom equipment. Each teacher was asked to prioritize the same
list of equipment and rank them according to their usefulness. The list included:
• A cassette tape recorder
• An overhead projector
• A television
• A sound field classroom amplification system (CAE)
• A camcorder movie camera
• A computer
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