The purpose of this study was to determine the design features of the physical learning environment that support and enhance collaborative, project-based learning at the community college level, and to gain an understanding of the rationale for selection of the features. The characteristics of the physical environment investigated in the study…

The case studies in this booklet highlight how five communities, in big cities and small towns, overcame the obstacles inherent in creating good new schools in existing neighborhoods. These studies illustrate the creativity that people across the United States have brought to the task of creating new schools in older neighborhoods. There is…

This publication, from a non-profit organization in Britain concerned with educational facilities design, aims to stimulate a debate about the building environment of secondary schools in relation to other dimensions--people, the learning process, and the institutional framework. Its chapters are: (1) "School Buildings in Britain Today";…

The possibility of converting a vacated school building into a useful resource presents a community with an interesting situation. During a 5-year period ending in 1997, over 100 rural Illinois communities encountered this situation. This report explores what happens to vacant school buildings and offers case studies of various re-uses, new…

Identified are areas to be considered in designing flexible school science facilities, such as educational philosophy and objectives, major trends, and teaching methods; also specific area considerations of site selection, spatial relationships, media and computer usage, various environmental considerations, ventilation, furniture, storage, and…

Describes how a historic church building in New Woodstock, New York was converted into a full-service modern library. Discusses community support and patron involvement in the project, the design plan which retained the historical integrity and satisfied modern requirements, funding from local contributions, spatial arrangements, and provisions…

Describes the building design of the library and technology center named in the title, including the educational context and design goals. Includes a general description; information on the architect, construction team, and manufacturers and suppliers; and a case study of costs and specifications. (EV)

Describes Boston University's (Massachusetts) attempt to build new schools to replace out-of-date facilities in the Chelsea (Massachusetts) public school system. The school replacement process, detailed by a member of the Boston University management team, reveals a successful attempt to obtain approval and funding to rebuild the elementary and…

Deliberately designing-in alternative, commercial, and future uses for new educational facilities has been utilized in a number of different projects in South Australia. Describes four facilities including drawings of the Port Adelaide College of Technical and Further Education. (MLF)

This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; a preface; a…

This document is one of five learning packets on alternative energy developed as part of a descriptive curriculum research project in Arkansas (see note). The overall objectives of the learning packets are to improve the level of instruction in the alternative energies by vocational exploration teachers, and to facilitate the integration of new…

Guidelines and requirements for planning and designing boarding schools for maladjusted children are reviewed, with data on special living and learning facilities and teaching needs. Building, classroom, and living facilities planning is outlined and based upon the educational, social and environmental needs of maladjusted children.…

Sooner or later, every teacher and administrator fantasizes about starting a school of their own. Few, however, move from off-the-cuff theory to the practical steps required to open the school house doors to real students and teachers. Fewer still manage to start an urban high school of their own while only in their mid-30s, a school that manages…

Using the past 3 years of data, for 2003 to 2005, from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) database, the yearly national fire loss for fires on nonadult school properties is estimated at $85 million. Such losses are the result of an estimated annual average of 14,700 fires that required a fire department response. Fires on school…