Personality, personal space, and attitudinal measures were administered to high school students. Comparisons of extreme sections of the classroom revealed a significant polarization of student traits on three categories of variables dominated by self-concept and class participation. Differential participation and physical isolation were closely…

Explores the rationale for learning centers, outlines steps in using this approach, and describes pupil-evaluation techniques. Illustrates concretely how a teacher can phase in the use of learning centers. (BF/JH)

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…

Discusses the integration of technology into college and university classrooms and presents models for five levels of classroom design with increasing levels of technology, leading to a technology enhanced learning environment (TELE). A classroom modification at Brigham Young University to incorporate technology is described, and the need for…

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…

Ensuring healthy and happy classrooms requires being committed to students and acting in ways worthy of their respect; helping children improve their self-esteem; employing consistency, structure, and routine where appropriate; being clear and honest about expectations; offering students choices; allowing opportunities for all types of questions;…

Vertical learning environments (vertical surfaces covered with two- or three-dimensional detachable objects that provide opportunities for perception, manipulation, interaction, construction of knowledge, and representation) offer children rich, interactive learning environments at eye level. Discusses vertical learning environments in a Piagetian…

Defines learning environment as the physical surroundings, psychological or emotional conditions, and sociocultural influences affecting the growth and development of an adult engaged in learning. Suggests that ingrained views of learning environments can be changed by perspective transformation, paradigm shift, and personal philosophy. (SK)

Presents suggestions for creating a classroom environment where young children's thinking and reasoning processes are supported. Discusses organizing time blocks for predictability and flexibility and organizing the physical space, including providing access to work spaces and access to materials. (KB)

Presents responses from the nation's leading educational architectural firms concerning design ideas anticipated to have an important role in the design of future school facilities. Ideas on classroom and flexible-learning-environment designs, schools as community resources, generic lab modules, and designs that integrate technology are included.…

Describes the differences in design and materials involved when designing today's early-education center compared to its older counterparts. Also discussed are the importance of proper interior circulation, scale design, and incorporating areas for community participation in the center. (GR)

Discusses the impact current educational reforms and new teaching styles are having on school design and the themes and trends that are emerging in designs for 2001. Design themes discussed are prototype schools, multistory elementary schools, learning environments and extended learning areas, and vocational education integration. (GR)

This article describes aspects of classroom acoustics that interfere with the ability of listeners to understand speech. It considers impacts on students and teachers and offers four possible solutions: noise control, signal control without amplification, individual amplification systems, and sound field amplification systems. (Author/DB)

Describes a distance-learning classroom developed and used by Central Connecticut State University for nurse training, educational statistics, mathematics, and technology courses. Discusses initial engineering, video cameras, video source switching, lighting, audio, and other technical and related aspects. Block diagrams and lists of equipment for…