Speech perception in the classroom

It is well known that excessive background noise and reverberation can be a barrier to listening and learning in the classroom. The barriers exist bec ause poor room acoustics can make speech inaudible and can distort informat ion-carrying elements of the speech signal. A simple speech-perception mode l is presented which demonstrates the linkage between the adequacy of class room acoustics and the development of a speech and language system. Both as pects must be considered when evaluating the potential barriers to listenin g and learning in a classroom.