What features of the physical environment in video game arcades lead kids to be so engaged? How can analysis of arcade space inform language arts teachers' decisions about designing classroom environments? This article presents an analysis of physical space in video game arcades and participants' positions therein to suggest how language arts…

The open classroom movement is in serious danger of being misunderstood because so few people know what it is really all about. (Editor)

This paperback presents a cross-cultural analysis of early childhood education, focusing on the public primary educational systems in England and the United States. American failures and English successes are emphasized. Differences in teacher preparation, curriculum control, and classroom freedom are discussed. The English system is analyzed…

Research studies on the length and time scheduling of the school day, class sizes and teacher self-concept were examined in an attempt to determine the influence of these variables on the academic success and developmental growth of children during their kindergarten year and beyond. Section I reviews research literature on class size and…

Two studies combining teacher questionnaires, classroom observation, and pupil interviews were conducted to contrast formal and informal teaching practices in open plan and conventional classrooms. Study I sampled 12 teachers of classes including second year junior pupils (8-9 years of age); Study II sampled 30 teachers, including 13 with mixed…

An observer's views of open-informal education and its central issues are presented in view of increasing interest in opening up classroom procedures and activities. The problems in defining Open Education are noted, but, in general, the events, relationships, activities and materials in the classroom are seen as being neither standardized nor…