A college reading laboratory was designed and furnished to maximize flexibility in space use. To determine the effectiveness of the design and use of space, a two-part study was conducted that examined students' learning preferences and collected instructors' observations. Responses indicated student preferences for sound, light, warmth, and…

Practical issues that should be considered in placing a classroom computer for use with elementary students include where to locate computer equipment in relation to electrical sockets, windows, and chalkboards; the program sound; who will be able to see the screen; and classroom traffic patterns. Decisions must be made regarding the size of…

The following hypotheses were tested: (1) children who attend open classrooms have smaller personal spaces than children attending traditional classrooms, and (2) personal space is a socially learned phenomenon which may be increased or decreased as a result of watching proximate or distant teacher-child models. (Author/BJG)

This handbook provides information on establishing and running learning centers in an elementary school classroom. A learning center is a station containing instruction and materials for one particular project. Every center should include multimedia and manipulative materials that support the topic or skill that is being focused upon. Students use…

AN OUTLINE WITH SUGGESTED TEACHING PRACTICES FOR THE INSERVICE TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM IS PRESENTED. A GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE OVERALL PROGRAM INCLUDES INFORMATION ON THE STAFF OF THE DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL, THE CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS PERFORMED, AND THE CONFERENCES HELD WHICH RELATE DIRECTLY TO INSTRUCTION. THE MATERIAL USED IN…

Designed for teachers of the severely handicapped within the Arizona public schools, the manual reviews current practices in special education for this population. An initial chapter examines student characteristics, while a second reviews current practices in assessment (including brief descriptions of vocational, social, perceptual, language,…

This guide suggests an observation strategy to be used by principals or administrators to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the kindergarten program in their schools. The observation strategy is based on description and analyses of four dimensions of a learning environment: space, time, people and things. Section I contains a series of…

The results of a project undertaken to assist the Office of Facilities of the State University of New York in the development of design and planning criteria for "learning spaces" with particular emphasis on the considerations for seating, lighting and acoustics. The learning spaces referred to are classified as large group instructional…

Comments of experienced teachers suggest that writing may be avoided in school not simply because of its inherent difficulty, but because its undertaking typically lacks connection to anything else in the lives of students or teachers. It is possible that teachers can best serve the acquisition of writing skills by structuring the social occasions…

This manual suggests ways to informalize and individualize the classroom through a transitional approach. It is organized by subject matter and in the order in which the classrooms may be changed from traditional to individualized. Trust is the basic premise on which the informalized classroom operates, and an effort is made to show how to develop…

The kinds of spaces needed to house the learning activities of today's school English program are discussed in this paper. The following spaces are recommended in the planning of new buildings or in the remodeling of existing buildings: (1) a space capable of seating several hundred persons for viewing plays and films and for large-group…

Many of the references in this bibliography are followed by a listing of ERIC descriptors to indicate the contents. The items are grouped into six sections: (1) learning and the learning environment; (2) classroom environment; (3) school and educational environments; (4) environmental influences upon learning and education; color, thermal…

This study investigated whether or not there is a difference in the academic achievement level maintained by a student after a transition has been made from a self-contained classroom to an open classroom. The sample included all the population in a fifth grade open classroom. The experimental group were from a fourth grade self-contained…

This paperback presents a cross-cultural analysis of early childhood education, focusing on the public primary educational systems in England and the United States. American failures and English successes are emphasized. Differences in teacher preparation, curriculum control, and classroom freedom are discussed. The English system is analyzed…

The philosophy of the open classroom approach is discussed. It is considered to be characterized by: (1) a child-centered, self-learning environment; (2) the teacher in the role of catalyst and guide; (3) a long-term commitment to exploration of new concepts and practices; (4) the needs and growth of children as the chief concern; (5) the…