In order to sustain strong academic programs and to provide a safe and comfortable environment for learning in the state's public colleges and universities, the facilities that house the institutions' programs must be maintained and replenished. The size, condition, and adequacy of these facilities have an impact on the quantity and quality of the…

Education is often understood as the sole responsibility of parents and teachers. Reggio Emilia identifies a 3rd teacher between child, teacher, and parent: the environment. In its attention to how space can be thoughtfully arranged, Reggio Emilia has reconceptualized space as a key source of educational provocation and insight. In what ways does…

THREE SCHOOLS WERE BUILT WITH EXTENSIVE USE OF GLASS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR WALLS. AFTER ABOUT TWO YEARS OF USE, RESPONSE TO THESE FACILITIES BY TEACHERS, STUDENTS, ADMINISTRATORS, PARENTS, AND MAINTENANCE PEOPLE WAS DETERMINED BY QUESTIONNAIRE AND INTERVIEW. THE REPORTED REACTIONS WERE OVERWHELMINGLY FAVORABLE. (JT)

In 1969, the University of Alberta General Faculties Council created a Committee to Investigate Teaching. One of the projects undertaken by this committee was designing an alternative teaching facility. Three objectives were sought: a) to provide the maximum amount of versatility in intramural design and manipulation, b) to equip it with more…

Described are methods of organizing the learning environment to enhance the education of seriously emotionally disturbed elementary level children. It is explained that the environment should combine interest with opportunities for self regulation, and should encourage individualized programming and flexibility. Requirements (such as equipment…

RESEARCH ON THERMAL ENVIRONMENT IN SCHOOLS IS SUMMARIZED AND THE STATUS OF "THERMAL ENVIRONMENT AND LEARNING" RESEARCH COMPLETED AND/OR UNDERWAY IN THE IOWA CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION IS REPORTED. RESULTS ARE--(1) CHILDREN DID LEARN BETTER UNDER MODEL THERMAL CONDITIONS, (2) TEACHERS MUST BECOME MORE AWARE OF THERMAL CONDITIONS,…

There has been little analysis of how the "L" Shape design pattern might influence learning as well as be incorporated into the design of new school facilities. This article: (1) re-examines the "Fat L" (Dyck, 1994) Classroom as a design pattern which supports a range of activity settings; (2) defines activity settings; (3)…

This document presents recommended facility specifications for the Milton J. Brecht Elementary School (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) designed to contribute to children's learning through the application of multiple intelligence theory and more recently emerging brain based learning knowledge and theory. The report examines the grade levels to be…

A private firm is operating a program for public schools that has improved the reading and math skills of potential dropouts. (Author)

Classroom shape is an important variable in educational quality. The traditional squat rectangle may be counterproductive to the learning process. The fat L-shaped classroom, compared to H, X, and T shapes, offers good separation, is more compact, and provides good visibility and ease of movement for the teacher. It has excellent nesting…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to focus on schools and address the structural dimensions of the organization as well as the hierarchical design of information flows between stakeholders. The paper highlights current structural barriers to creating learning organizations. Design/methodology/approach: This paper utilizes a conceptual model.…

Nathan Hale Senior High School in West Allis, Wisconsin was designed to survive inevitable educational innovations adjusting to predicted trends. The architects planned three study-groups of schoolrooms. Each group can operate independently affording a more intimate air than the usual atmosphere of a massive school. Classroom "clusters" are…

The term open classroom'' refers not only to a structured school environment, but also to a philosophical and epistemological rationale. The rationale is important because without it the open classroom becomes activity without direction. (Author)

This, the first of two articles on the physical environment of a training room, discusses how to plan and design a meeting room. It covers size limitations, entrances and exits, walls and ceilings, visual display boards, sitting in comfort, and elbow room. (EM)

Pilot project results indicate that under certain conditions, fluorescent lighting may cause or aggravate hyperactivity in school children. Drawing on observations made in photobiological research, a new type of lighting was developed. Teachers in two experimental classrooms reported improvement in hyperactive pupils, which was also verified by…