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

The designer of New York's Open Door Project, Lillian Weber, answers some of the fundamental questions that educators are asking about the open education movement in elementary education. (JF)

Selected members of the American Association of School Administrators speak out on some prime problems that stem from the original design and construction of existing school facilities. These administrators discuss ways that architects, engineers, contractors, and building product manufacturers can insure that new buildings will better meet future…

The informal nature of preschool provision may allow building design a greater influence than at primary and secondary levels. The effect of building type seems to be to inhibit or facilitate the expression of existing child behavior or staff policy, with room openness and noise levels being the most potent factors. (Author/CT)

Argues that traditional classroom practices and educational policies constitute an assault on children. Among the practices considered are standardized testing, homogeneous grouping, drill, fragmented curricula, and restrictions on peer interaction in the classroom. (Author/DB)

The purpose of this study was to examine whether people who differ in behavioral and self-report measures of lateralized seating preferences also differ in hypnotic susceptibility. Only right-handed subjects were used, and the associations between hypnotic susceptibility and seating preference were examined separately for males and females.…

Three investigations were conducted to examine the consistency of classroom seating among college students. These three studies indicate that both biological sex and psychological sex may be important when studying human territoriality. (Author)

Presents ideas for creating a purposeful classroom environment that will help students become strategic readers. Suggestions include using the conference table to learn about students as readers, organizing books to help children make wise choices, and creating a meeting area that invites discussion. (SM)

This article describes six strategies for teachers to use in organizing their desks and the space around them to make them more efficient and attractive. (SM)

A study involving 62 gifted students (grades 6-8) found many low-achievers (n=16) showed a strong need for tactile and kinesthetic modalities; intake of food, drinks, or both; sound in the learning environment; informal seating design; and dim lighting. The low achievers did not perceive themselves to be persistent. (Contains references.)…

Describes the design of notable school classrooms, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on architects, suppliers, and cost, as well as photographs. (EV)

Discusses strategies for training early childhood educators in effective use of the physical environment. Focuses on the equipment and materials for the classroom, strategies for organizing the environment, and strategies for selecting and displaying materials. (RJC)