Examines a Florida Montessori school design that does not use air conditioning and is naturally lighted. Discusses design considerations that took advantage of natural surroundings, the architectural approach that helped bring the outdoors closer to the classroom, and the environmental pay-off. (GR)

Argues that school classroom design affects learning and advocates that planners can look at students' developmental needs and the curriculum to redesign and expand classrooms to fit those needs and requirements. Different lighting effects on students are examined as are classrooms without walls and building flexibility into space design. Final…

Discusses the development of teacher education classrooms (multimedia presentation, multipurpose, distance learning, and computer) at Tamkang University (Taiwan), addressing room functions, teaching methods, media/equipment, and courses taught. Provides floor plans for each classroom type. (PEN)

Classroom density may be a more important planning consideration than size. The lower middle range for human social distance is 7 feet--not met in most classrooms containing 20 to 25 students. Students need ample space, since crowding causes behavior problems and increased maintenance costs. (Contains 10 references.) (MLH)

Studied the symbolic play that occurs in activity corners set up around toy-objects in Greek kindergartens. Found notable differences in levels of symbolism and complexity of the play. Concluded that the most favored groups were those in which: (1) classroom space was polyvalent, permitting its informal re-organization; and (2) the teacher was an…

This article discusses ways that educators and caregivers can enrich traditional block play for young children with disabilities in inclusive settings. Strategies are provided for arranging the physical environment, using accommodations for children with disabilities, setting the stage for block play, interacting with children, and evaluating…

Discusses student hearing problems and ways schools can help to reduce hearing difficulties in the classroom through use of classroom amplification technology. Explores the benefits of sound amplification systems for both students and teachers. (GR)

Examines how computer labs in elementary schools should be designed to create an information-rich environment that lets students easily interact while learning new skills. Stresses computer lab designs that result in flexible multiple-purpose spaces that encourage students to collaborate. (GR)

Technology has advanced to the point where it is now possible to create and distribute digital multimedia recordings of class lectures over the Internet to remote learners. More importantly, the price of this technology has decreased to the point where it is also affordable to most instructional institutions. The main factor limiting its…

Students' degree of territoriality based on gender and seat preferences in different types of classroom arrangements was studied. The types of classroom arrangements included rows of tablet-arm chairs, U-shaped, clusters, and rows of tables with individual chairs. The study was carried out through a survey at a large public institution in the…

Gifted teachers possess a talent for generating an atmosphere of connectedness and focus in the classroom, and state standards emphasize the importance of student engagement. This article presents suggestions for teachers that can increase the chances that their students will be fully engaged during a lesson. The issues of time (length of…

This study investigated computer laboratories in New Zealand schools. A questionnaire was used to obtain information in four areas: (1) demographic data, including the name of the school, class levels, governing authority, gender composition, roll size, staffing, and socio-economic ranking; (2) qualitative and quantitative data about the school's…

Presents a three-step model of English teaching at the Gesamtschule and lists the requirements for achieving the goals of each step in relation to the lay-out and technical equipment of the learning area. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Four curriculum modules provide instruction on aspects of infant and toddler child care services. Contents concern budgeting, center characteristics, curriculum planning, and environmental design for infant and toddler programs. The color-coded modules list objectives and resources, and provide information and assignment sheets, sample forms and…

Authors reported on their own professional development as teacher/designers and discussed the process of translating educational ideas into physical form (and, importantly, their work with the teachers who will use the spaces they have designed). (Editor/RK)