Effects of natural sounds on students' learning and classroom soundscape

Previous studies on the effect of acoustic exposure on cognitive abilities mainly explored the effect of anthropogenic sounds (e.g., traffic and chatting noise), intended as environmental stressors. However, recent soundscape research highlighted the potential of positive and desired sounds to increase student performance. In this paper, the effect of natural sounds (including birdsong in a garden) on students' cognition and soundscape assessment was analysed by comparing students’ performance in a math task and affective responses when exposed to birdsong with those obtained in the classroom ambient noise. 229 pupils aged between 11 and 13 (grades VII and VIII) participated in the experiment, carried out with a class-wise paradigm. The data from the cognitive tests were analysed using Generalised Linear Mixed-Effect Models, while the soundscape data were compared using the Wilcoxon test. The results show an increase in calculation accuracy and perceived pleasantness and eventfulness when birdsong is played.