There are a plethora of variables which affect pupils in the classroom. These might involve the obvious such as uncomfortable temperature readings a well as the following: (1) small group work as compared to individual activities; (2) use of measurably stated objectives versus constructivism as psychologies of learning; (3) a very quiet…

The SCALE-UP (Student-Centered Activities for Large Enrollment for Undergraduate Programs) project was developed to implement reforms designed for small classes into large physics classes. Over 50 schools across the country, ranging from Wake Technical Community College to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have adopted it for classes of…

We describe the development of a course to teach modeling and mathematical analysis skills to students of biology and to teach biology to students with strong backgrounds in mathematics, physics, or engineering. The two groups of students have different ways of learning material and often have strong negative feelings toward the area of knowledge…

Presents responses from seven practicing teachers to the question, "How have you changed the physical environment within your classroom to create an optimal learning environment?" (HB)

Highlights the design of Ichthus College in Rotterdam that includes a glassy atrium lined with informal work spaces, offices, and classrooms. Photos and floor plans are included. (GR)

Explains why schools and universities should seek wide-ranging input to create labs specially designed for their science curriculum. Specific issues requiring attention are examined, such as equipping the lab, exhaust, classroom communication needs, and lab benches. (GR)

The main aim of this article is to explore models of a teacher addressing a class sitting in a rectangular classroom or lecture theatre and derive central measures of the distance between the teacher and the class or between a lecturer and an audience. This involves an interesting range of mathematics and two metrics. A secondary aim is to discuss…

Discussion of urban school concepts is accompanied by individual illustrative sketches and diagrams. (1) good urban schools should harmonize with their setting, (2) an example of a two-story school whose classroom window orientation is directed toward a central court is shown, (3) an example of a three-winged school which provides every classroom…

This school has been made to answer, as far as possible, the specific demands of a non-traditional teaching system. Each classroom is considered and equipped as a complete unit, a house in itself. (CK)

Using current archeological jargon, contemporary school facilities are criticized. (LN)

In a situation where cheating increases, the students most apt to become cheaters are those seated adjacent to identified cheaters. In all cases, cheaters tend to voluntarily seat themselves adjacent to one another rather than seating themselves adjacent to noncheaters. The voluntary isolation appears to persist even as cheating increases or…