Noise in Baena. Didactic proposals for improving the quality of city life

1. Resumen del artículo
2. Introduction
3. Objectives of the research project
4. "Short" didactic interventions
5. "Long" didactic interventions
7. Bibliography

RESUMEN DEL ARTÍCULO:

This research project deals with a series of didactic interventions about noise carried out in Baena (Córdoba). A wide range of social interventions for the prevention of urban noise have been proposed and carried out. These activities have not only been carried out in the classroom but also in diverse social groups (unions, companies, citizens…). The results of the didactic interventions carried out have been very satisfactory. As general conclusions of our research we will point out the following ones:

1) the "short" didactic activities mobilize concepts and activate awareness towards the problem of noise, but they are not too effective in building systems of values, in elaborating procedures and in promoting attitudes.

2) the "long" interventions, by means of the employment of the constructivist method, are very effective in mobilizing procedures, attitudes and values, beyond concepts themselves, as well as in activating awareness of the problem generated by noise.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

There is no doubt that an Environmental Education which raises awareness and values is fundamental, since the health of the Planet is seriously suffering from physical, biological and social cancers, irreversible in many cases. It is thus indicated in Principle 19 of the Conference on Human Resources of Stockholm (1972). Also, the Conference of Tbilisi (1977) clearly set out in its First Recommendation the fundamental objective of Environmental Education, as well as its definition. It derives from the reading of these documents that Environmental Education should be aimed at three large, well diversified social groups: people at large, specific professional or social groups, as well as certain professional and scientific groups.

It is in this framework that we introduce the problem generated by noise. Noise, defined as unwanted sound, can produce nuisance, reduce performance, produce fatigue, psychic dysfunctions, alterations in behavior and social disturbances. For all these reasons, we stress the importance of Environmental Education as far as noise is concerned.

Baena, where this research on noise has been carried out, is a city located in the southeast of the province of Córdoba, 62 kilometers away from the capital. Its altitude above the sea level reaches 407 metres. The municipal district has an area of 363.3 km2, in which lie the village of Albendín and seven large country houses, among which are Manosalva and Palomarejo. The population is as high as 20.057. It is head of judicial district. Its main economic source is olive oil farming.

The problem worked on in the research is noise in the city of Baena, as viewed from Environmental Education. Our previous studies demonstrate that the people from Baena consider that they live in a noisy city where noise is annoying but unavoidable, a perception which is more prominent in working environments (shops, industries…). But they take few cautions to avoid the consequences of noise.

In view of this problem that affects the quality of city life and public health, it is proposed that educational interventions aimed at raising citizens´ awareness are more effective than a repressive policy. Furthermore, contributions should be made from the areas of didactics and research applied for the benefit of all the people.

Key words: Noise, quality of life, health, education, didactic interventions.

OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT

In order to do so, we set out the following objectives for the research project:

1. To elaborate didactic materials addressed to diverse social groups of Baena, as well as to pupils in order to make them aware of the polluting effects of noise.

2. To carry out an educational intervention that not only keeps people better informed and aware but also creates behavior guidelines that lead to take action in the social environment.

DIDACTIC INTERVENTIONS ON NOISE CARRIED OUT IN BAENA

In this research project "short" and "long" didactic activities have been carried out on population groups.