Examines the notion of an early childhood education center organized as a series of houses around a common core of shared facilities. Discusses examples of child-care centers in Sweden and explores ideas that can promote functional facilities. Suggestions include ideas about physical-motor activities areas, administration offices, centralized…

Before 14 new lecture halls and 25 classrooms were designed, faculty at the University of Hong Kong were surveyed to determine their needs and preferences. Discusses results of the survey, design specifications for a "smart" classroom, computerized theater control systems, problems in the implementation of design requirements, and…

Examines the efforts of an elementary school in Iowa to combine Basic School and multi-age instruction. Quotes from teachers to describe how (trying not just to educate children but to teach them how to manage their own education) the school's curriculum is structured around big ideas and broad concepts that provide multiple entry points for the…

Discusses the design development, and use of a multimedia classroom for the instruction of undergraduate courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada). Addresses issues involved in using multimedia technologies for GIS instruction, outlining how the room is used for live computer-based…

Presents guidelines for providing suitable play and learning spaces for children from birth to 3 years old. Argues that toddlers have developmental needs different from those of older preschoolers, and that environments must be designed appropriately. Recommends that room arrangements for toddlers provide simplicity, options for seclusion and…

An overview is presented of the most recent Educational Technology Equipped Classroom (ETEC) developed at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The latest ETEC is the product of an extensive development procedure with input from faculty. The first three classrooms renovated to incorporate educational technology at the university were…

The use of video recorders in the speech communication classroom focuses learning on self-evaluation and self-improvement, making it possible for real and permanent changes in behavior to occur. Effective use of this medium requires adherence to three principles: (1) the extensive use of positive reinforcement; (2) the provision of immediate and…

A college reading laboratory was designed and furnished to maximize flexibility in space use. To determine the effectiveness of the design and use of space, a two-part study was conducted that examined students' learning preferences and collected instructors' observations. Responses indicated student preferences for sound, light, warmth, and…

This handbook provides information on establishing and running learning centers in an elementary school classroom. A learning center is a station containing instruction and materials for one particular project. Every center should include multimedia and manipulative materials that support the topic or skill that is being focused upon. Students use…

Research dealing with the design of the school physical environment and its effect on stress in students and teachers is examined. The design of both the school's overall environment and the individual classrooom unit may affect student and teacher attitudes and student achievement. (PP)

Media Services at the University of California at Santa Cruz has developed standard media packages defining the audiovisual and presentation support available in a classroom. Describes the process of developing classroom equipment standards, three classroom packages, and a movable cart used to enhance the smaller packages. Lists the equipment for…

This article describes an inquiry-based science project, presents the professional development that supported it, gives recommendations to teachers of inclusive classrooms, and provides a practical checklist for program assessment. A list of teacher characteristics recommended for the inquiry approach is also provided, along with classroom design…

Presents eight points for designing the physical and programmatic environments to prevent discipline problems and support learning in early childhood classrooms. Points relate to designing clearly defined activity areas, providing adequate space, assessing the activity structure throughout the day, following an age-appropriate schedule, and…

Describes the Head Start Classroom of the Future project, which is being introduced into inner-city centers in Grand Rapids, Michigan; a classroom for children of Hispanic migrant farmworkers in Holland, Michigan; and a classroom for Native American children at the Isleta Pueblo Head Start near Albuquerque, New Mexico. (BB)

A multisensory sound lab has been developed at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (District of Columbia). A special floor allows vibrations to be felt, and a spectrum analyzer displays frequencies and harmonics visually. The lab is used for science education, auditory training, speech therapy, music and dance instruction, and relaxation…