Context is everything. Very little in art or in history (or in life) happens in isolation, although works of art and events in history have been studied this way. This is especially true of the arts, which are so intrinsically connected to the cultures from which they emerge. This essential interconnectivity was also the premise behind the design…

Presents responses from seven practicing teachers to the question, "How have you changed the physical environment within your classroom to create an optimal learning environment?" (HB)

Presents factors crucial to the success of the combination classroom: planning, teacher selection, student selection, parent support, and schoolwide support. (MD)

States the position of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) toward ANSI Standard 12.60, which addresses classroom acoustics. Explains why it believes the standard creates an overly stringent requirement. (EV)

Describes the challenge and solution to organizing the production and materials in the school newspaper/yearbook classroom. (HTH)

Argues for a materialist and ecological approach to the study of school socialization. Journal available from Catholic University of America Press, 620 Michigan Ave., N.E. Washington, DC 20064. (RM)

Claims that almost none of the preschool design literature bridges the interest and technical concern of architects and education professionals. Offers design suggestions for classrooms, outdoor spaces, shared spaces, offices, teachers' space, and a place for parents. Discusses general design issues such as textures and colors, materials, security…

Suggests ethnic or cultural differences in use of space should be considered when adopting approaches in program and building design. Cites ways to allow for these differences in educational and architectural planning. (Author/BK)

It is suggested that a stimulating environment, rich with color, relaxed in mood, and imaginative in arrangement, will produce a favorable effect on the child's senses and hopefully create an attitude that will be favorable toward learning. (Author)

Discusses ways to create a classroom environment that encourages students to test the power of their language through reading and writing experiences. Describes a writing lesson in a writer-centered classroom, what a writing classroom looks like, and what teachers should do first in terms of the physical setup of the classroom. (SR)

Nine elementary teachers explain how they design their classrooms to match and support their instructional styles. The teachers focus on whole language programs, student portfolios, science activity set-ups, technology transformation, learning center strategies, and space utilization. (SM)

This paper discusses the importance of environmental factors--namely, classroom seating--to classroom management. A specific incident is discussed, whereby disruptive behavior developed in students because of the spatial separation of their desks from the teacher's desk. Solutions to the seating problem are offered in the text and in figures drawn…

Cites a relationship between the quality of classroom environments and literacy-related behaviors and learning. Presents four effective design concepts for literacy classrooms which affect learning: presence/absence of literacy tools; space arrangement and placement of literacy tools within that space; social interaction using literacy tools; and…

Noting that the design of the classroom used for early childhood and kindergarten classes can contribute in powerful ways to the education of young children, this paper applies principles of architecture to the organization and shaping of the interior classroom space. The paper maintains that five principles, when applied, create a climate of…

This paper examines four key elements in the designing-for-all-children concept for school environments. Designing-for-all-children designs acknowledge that children pass through differing, yet recognizable, stages of development; and that children need usable environments free from physical and social barriers. Key elements address equitable use,…