The beginning of a new year is a crucial time for both students and teachers alike. What a teacher does to establish an effective classroom management system and create an environment that supports learning will influence what students accomplish throughout the year. Learning cannot take place in chaos, but well-managed classrooms do not just…

Presents K-12 and college classrooms considered outstanding in a competition, which judged the most outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, focusing on concepts and ideas that made them exceptional. For each citation, the article offers information on the firm, client,…

Describes two types of campus space--non-revenue and revenue generating--to illustrate the potential cost savings that can result from good space-management practices. Uses classroom and housing areas as illustrations and explores the managerial implications of realizing cost savings. (GR)

Explains how Project Oriented Development Stations (PODS) provide a flexible facilities solution that can fit within any elementary school, and that combines custom furnishing with technology, curriculum, and hands-on learning. An explanation of the POD approach and an example of its development, usefulness, and funding is provided. (GR)

The arrangement and use of space are parts of the nonverbal communications system of the class and, as such, have effects on the performance and behavior of both students and teachers. (MJB)

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies key issues…

This publication is intended to assist local boards of education, superintendents, and staff in the organization and development of educational specifications. It was written because most educators have little knowledge about the purpose, process, organization, or contents of the finished product (educational specifications). It provides a…

The Education Design Institute developed a series of tearsheets that were used as part of a feasibility study for a pre-school. The tearsheets, which aid designers in planning pre-school environments, outline educational objectives; optimum square foot standards; general environmental concerns; and furniture and equipment for infant, toddler, and…

Compares the organization of supermarkets to classroom environments. Emphasizes the efficient use of space with the use of containers, keeping materials in place, and grouping objects together. Provides suggestions on the use of color and adding storage space. (MOK)

When given the chance, children seek out and create private places in the midst of busy days. This article advises centers to design protected places where small groups or a single child can retreat to observe other children, either from above or horizontally. Suggestions for such "child caves" involve architecture, furniture arrangement, and…

Looks at the impact of the classroom environment on student emotions and behavior, offering suggestions for using the physical features of the environment to calm or stimulate students. Shows how the factors of environmental arousal, classroom robustness, and spatial settings may be used to create art classrooms that minimize chances for…

How technology and changes in instructional techniques has altered the classrooms are examined. Issues concerning classroom space, interior lighting, ventilation, computers in the classroom are discussed. Concluding comments address outfitting a classroom to accommodate audiovisual presentations. (GR)