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.