This study concerns the diffraction of sound around flexible partitions used in teaching spaces. It includes a comprehensive study of the acoustical conditions in several school buildings in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. The noise reduction properties of some typical partitions the minimum height of the partition between two teaching spaces, the material of the partitions, and the position of chalk-boards were some of the important factors considered in the study. Noise levels prevailing in the classrooms of different countries were also measured. (Author/MLF)