Many modern educational facilities reflect tremendous architectural and engineering advancement. However, the most important element, the individual learning space, has been grossly neglected. (Author/MLF)

The article describes ways to encourage effective classroom computer use. Setup of the computer corner is crucial. A friendly corner should include things like explanatory posters, disk boxes, a digital clock, earphones, a timer, chairs, and a wheeled cart. A sign-up sheet encourages efficient scheduling, which is also critical. (SM)

A former elementary school teacher shares suggestions for decorating a classroom on a low budget. The article includes tips for decorating bulletin boards and keeping them up-to-date, organizing workspaces and storing materials, and creating appropriate seating arrangements. (SM)

A school architect offers planning guidelines for utilitarian, good-looking interior environments. (Author/DN)

This study assessed the effect of room design on small-group communication patterns. Twenty-seven groups of three subjects each were assigned to nine types of rooms that differed with respect to shape, interior decoration, and other environmental elements. Subjects discussed a standard group-discussion topic. Data indicated that room design had no…

The legal requirement that special needs students have access to a balanced and broadly based curriculum carries implications for accommodation in special schools. This document offers advice and guidance on the provision of accommodation which takes account of the special educational needs of the pupils, and also explains those factors relating…

Factors in the physical arrangement of special education classrooms that may lead to greater instructional control and structure include teacher proximity and view, separation of space, and reduction of extraneous stimuli. The issue of making classrooms more relaxed and home-like versus structuring them like regular classes to prepare students for…

The development of learning environments especially for adults has been neglected and research in planning such environments is fragmented and minimal. There is general agreement that facilities for adults should have an aura of adulthood to contribute to an adult's feeling of ease, confidence, and capability; that they should be flexible in room…

A project to redesign an elementary school classroom was undertaken by 14 architecture students at the University of Buffalo (New York). Six basic steps are listed which any class can take to make its living space better meet its needs. (KC)

This study was a joint undertaking of interior environmental designers and a child developmentalist. The goal of the study was to increase peer interation between children in two classes held in one classroom. Children were observed for 7 weeks, in three periods: weeks 2 and 3 (time 1); weeks 4 and 5 (time 2); and weeks 6 and 7 (time 3). Observers…

Examines the benefits of the Z-shaped science lab classroom configuration as a means of learning enhancement. Each section of the classroom is illustrated and described. Also discusses construction and cost considerations. (GR)

This compilation is a survey of the literature pertinent to the design of lighting for educational facilities. The contents are selected to be an overview of the topic while maintaining a technical level comprehensible to the layman concerned with school planning and design. The general subject areas are--(1) the visual and lighted environment as…

This booklet shows several schemes for the use of teaching spaces and quiet areas for the emotionally disturbed. There are designs for three levels of emotional disorder--severe, moderate, and mild. The schemes shown for teaching areas for severely disturbed children are fairly rigid in their design, with noisy and quiet areas being clearly…

A study of new design features for public schools was conducted to determine what specific design features were being implemented in Virginia's schools. This report summarizes the major trends in facility design that were discovered in the following areas: safety and security features; classroom space; technology areas; administrative spaces;…

This presentation of suggested layouts and specifications for home economics facilities has been prepared to be of service to school boards, architects, teachers, and administrators who are planning new schools or making renovations to existing structures. Room layouts are shown for a foods and nutrition room, or the foods and nutrition area of a…