In a three-year cumulative study, more than 1,000 children were observed either in randomly arranged preschool classrooms or in classrooms deliberately arranged to promote learning. Creativity, oral language use, and development of science and number concepts were significantly higher for children in the specially planned classrooms. (Author/SJL)

A model for resource rooms based on four learning stations (dependent or teacher directed, related activity, peer tutoring, and independent stations) is advocated to provide for behavior management as well as individualized instruction of mildly handicapped students. (CL)

Discusses research on the impact of the physical environment of the classroom on student behavior and attitudes, and offers guidelines for designing informal classrooms. Encourages school personnel concerned with creating positive learning environments to pay more attention to the physical environment. (Author/NRB)

This research evaluated the effects of a design modification in an open-plan high school. The addition of several variable height partitions throughout the school reduced classroom interruptions and increased content questions. Hypotheses about specific design mechanisms contributing to environment-behavior congruence in open plan schools were…

The safest art room conditions are those which result when the art teacher anticipates the need for adequate space, sufficient ventilation and lighting, appropriate storage, and good housekeeping practices. (Author/SJL)

Investigates how two traditional early childhood activity settings, the block and housekeeping areas, influence young children's play and social behaviors. (Author/MP)

Excerpted from "On Teaching," Schocken Books, Inc., New York, 1976. Deals with losing control, being out of control, fatigue and private spaces, as problems related to teacher productivity. (PR)

Students of English brought into the classroom subject-related objects, changing their room constantly as new ideas and concepts were encountered; their teacher believes that students contributing to the physical environment of their room are more imaginative and freer to try different activities than students who are passive and uninvolved. (JD)

A measurement instrument combines photography with a three-dimensional grid overlay to produce detailed blueprints of the classroom. Analysis of a field test produced significant findings concerning the interaction patterns of students of different race and sex, particularly with regard to peer clustering. (Author/MLF)

Two articles present suggestions for enhancing classroom management in creative ways. The first article describes how to use flexible seating arrangements to encourage cooperation, friendship, and community. The second article discusses how to encourage and work with classroom volunteers from the community. (SM)

Presents suggestions for organizing the early childhood classroom, focusing on play unit assessment and creating accessible areas that hold children's interest. Discusses how classroom design influences teacher behavior, children's independence, and social interaction. Examines the connection between classroom design and developmental and program…

Suggests two guiding principles as a framework to interpret the research findings of environmental psychology that focus on effective classroom design: effective design promotes attention in the classroom and allows for periodic shifts of learner activities. Examines these principles as they apply to the design of a computer classroom, reviewing…

Evaluating educational facilities requires utilizing an effective assessment process. The five key components of space adequacy are scheduling efficiency, design efficiency, technical capacity, practical capacity, site capacity, and suitability. Assessment of the physical adequacy of school building should explore the following areas:…

Notes that with safe and developmentally appropriate equipment, outdoor play can be a significant part of high-quality early child care. Highlights 10 suggestions for safe outdoor play. Knowledgeable teachers and appropriate child-caregiver ratio are needed for safe play. (JW)

Describes the development of a computer lab for freshman high school students. Questions to consider when planning a computer environment are suggested; software and hardware selection is discussed; room arrangements are considered; issues related to buying and installing software are described, including site licensing; and the computer…