Using microphones in lectures

I have a loud enough voice, I don’t need to wear a microphone

We cannot assume that all students can hear well enough or that they would wish to disclose their hearing impairment in a teaching situation, in front of a lot of people. The acoustics in the room, external noise and individual factors will all have an impact.

I need the flexibility to walk around during lectures, what should I do?

Wearing a ‘radio microphone’ is the best solution. These are already provided in many of the larger teaching spaces where PA systems are installed. In our largest teaching spaces there should always be two radio microphones to ensure there is always one available for use.

To check whether a microphone is provided in a room you intend to use, search the web room booking system for ‘PA’ under ‘suitabilities’. (The web room booking system is found in the timetabling section of MyEd).

If a PA system is not installed in the room you intend to use, you may need to consider moving to another room.

Temporary PA systems are available from Learning Spaces Technology (LTS) in Information Services for one-off special events in unequipped large locations.

It helps to reduce the amount of effort that students have to spend concentrating to hear. It is very important for students with hearing impairments and for those whose first language is not English.

It reduces the risk of loss of information or mishearing information. Also, it removes the need for students to ask teaching staff to wear a microphone.

How will this benefit staff?

It puts less strain on teaching staff to keep voice levels raised. It contributes to increased concentration in class among students and possibly greater participation.