The 14th "Day Against Noise" on 27 April 2011 took place under the motto: "Noise divides". Under this motto, the working group drew attention to the (un)conscious divisions caused by noise in different areas and situations of life. Noise separates polluters and recipients and leads to a lasting reduction in the quality of life, learning and work. Due to the Easter holidays, the activities for the Day Against Noise were postponed by one week to 4 May 2011. The improv theatre group "Danke für die Tür" was a special eye-catcher and eavesdropper with two performances as part of the campaigns. The performance in the foyer of the library made it remarkably clear to all those present in front of the BIS hall and on the newspaper level of the library how important silence is for concentration and a good learning environment. During the Week of Silence from 28 June to 1 July 2011, we were once again able to enjoy the excellent co-operation with the improv theatre group "Danke für die Tür". Once again, the group focussed their performances on the theme of "listening and (mis)understanding". In addition to the entertaining and hopefully also "educational" performances, members of the university and all visitors were able to find out more about hearing sensitivity and acoustic conditions in teaching and learning environments, have their own hearing tested or simply enjoy a delicious waffle and conversation.

Short films selected by the ZwergWERK team invited visitors to enjoy a very special experience in a variety of ways: silent images met louder and quieter sounds and an acoustic room that can transform from a church or opera house into a classroom in the blink of an eye. This interplay guaranteed a special kind of listening experience. The connections between mere hearing and actual understanding were thus made tangible and comprehensible beyond everyday experiences.

Winners of the photo competition

1st place 2nd place 3rd place

At the opening of the barrier-free workspaces, artists from Blauschimmel Atelier e.V. performed "walking acts" to draw guests' attention to the dangers of and caused by noise.

The spoken word is the central feature of almost every course. Only what has been heard can be understood. Background noise of any kind has a detrimental effect on the concentration of all participants. Nevertheless, there is hardly a lecture in which there is no rustling, whispering or crackling. Those arriving late rush to their seats and those present rummage around for work materials. What disturbs everyone can become an exclusion criterion for some. For example, the crackling of a paper bag becomes a distant rumble of thunder if you wear a hearing aid. International students are also particularly dependent on silence, as they want to understand content that is not presented in their native language. Those who suffer from attention deficit disorder often have to compensate for considerable concentration problems. Background noise of any kind is certainly not helpful here.

Whispering, rustling etc. are not a product of pure malice. Rather, there is often a lack of open dialogue and the corresponding awareness. Students from the groups concerned have now dared to take the first step in this direction. With a very personally designed poster campaign, which is supported by the statement "We need silence to understand", those involved are courageously pointing out their need. They are supported by lecturers and the AStA of the University of Oldenburg. In order for this commitment to be rewarded, the personal actions of every student are now also required: Silence can also mean solidarity!

International students

AStA

Lecturers

Hearing impaired students

Students with ADS and LRS

"We need silence to understand - basics, effects and measures to improve communication"

Organiser: Autonomes Behindertenreferat der University of Oldenburg
Venue:The Haus des Hörens
Marie -Curie Straße 2
26129 Oldenburg
Room with acoustic simulator
(ground floor/ signposted)

Period: WS 2007/08, 24 October 2007, from 19:00 to 21:00

Cooperation partners:

Hörzentrum Oldenburg
Akustikbüro Oldenburg
Behindertenberatung des Studentenwerks Oldenburg
Studentenwerk der C.v.O. University of Oldenburg
Institute for Special Education of the C.v.O. University of Oldenburg

Speakers:

Prof. Dr Sabine Döring
Prof. Dr Dr Birger Kollmeier
Dr Markus Meis
Dr Christian Nocke
Ms Angela Plassmeier
Prof. Dr Schulze