Abstract
Various types of noise act as invisible barriers to the learning process. This study sought to explore how noise pollution impacts the academic performance of secondary school students. Conducted at Sultan Kudarat State University's Laboratory High School during the fourth grading period of the 2016-2017 school year, the study employed an experimental approach with a "Pre-test-Post-test Control Group Design." Three groups participated: one control group and two experimental groups, labeled Group A and Group B. The control group experienced normal classroom conditions conducive to learning, with a sound level maintained at 40 dB. In Experimental Group A, students were exposed to an environment with artificial internal and external noise at 60 dB. Meanwhile, students in Experimental Group B encountered recorded intermittent noise from sources such as road traffic and construction, reaching 80 dB. The findings indicated that a noise level of 40 dB is the maximum threshold in a school setting to support optimal learning outcomes. Noise exposure at levels between 60 and 80 dB significantly impairs students' academic performance. Additionally, male and female students exposed to high-intensity noise (60-80 dB) exhibited a noticeable decline in their educational achievements.
