In July 1987, North Carolina enacted legislation to provide funds for public school construction. This document defines and describes the educational spaces needed to support a comprehensive educational program and to set minimal standards for types of spaces and for sizes of spaces. Standards, comments, and recommendations are provided for the…

This symposium consists of four papers presented as part of the program of the American Psychological Association's Division on the Teaching of Psychology. The initial paper, by Ludy Benjamin, describes the results of a survey, conducted in 1980, of 504 psychology laboratories. It includes information on departments that have undertaken laboratory…

A study surveyed 972 college students for their preferences in classroom arrangement (tradition straight-row, horseshoe, and modular) and their seating preferences within each style. Results indicated that students' arrangement preferences are influenced by both attractiveness of the course and the individual student's communication apprehension…

One of a series of 18, this Child Development Associate (CDA) training module provides a guide to the construction of learning centers in preschool settings. Upon completion of the module the CDA trainee is expected to be able to analyze and improve the arrangement of space, materials and equipment; specify and rotate learning centers in the…

A comprehensive guide for home economists, the article treats five major ideas for planning home economics departments in schools, as follows--(1) the importance of sharing the planning responsibility among teacher, parent, and administrator, citing an example of successful planning, (2) the need for teaching methods, course content and equipment…

This presentation of suggested layouts and specifications for home economics facilities has been prepared to be of service to school boards, architects, teachers, and administrators who are planning new schools or making renovations to existing structures. Room layouts are shown for a foods and nutrition room, or the foods and nutrition area of a…

This guide is for teachers and administrators involved in the preparation and implementation of kindergarten programs. Part I, in a series of captioned photographs, reviews basic qualities and needs of young children. Part II examines historical events important in the development of early childhood education, and describes several educational…

This SEF study examines the entire problem of temporary space needs; evaluates present solutions such as portables, busing, and space rental; and makes recommendations for a system of relocatables. The proposed system, which could be used to handle all space needs of a nonpermanent nature, would provide facilities with an internal environment…

Describes how a teacher used planned observations of classroom interactions to lead to role playing, class discussion, and changes in seating arrangements. The strategies resulted in marked improvements in classroom interactions and in academic work. (SKC)

Case study assessed effects of rearrangement of desks in an open classroom on incidents of disruptive behavior occurring in that classroom. Results revealed that alteration of the physical environment produced positive responses from students through reduction of maladaptive behavior occurrences. (Author/MH)

This study systematically investigated the effects of different procedures on classroom behaviors ranging from teacher designated seating groups and seating groups based on sociometric data to peer encouragement and free time reinforcers. Subjects were first- and third-grade children. (Author)

Creating a physical environment that is organized, welcoming, and well-suited to the needs of students and teachers can present a challenge to both beginning and experienced teachers. Based on the responsive classroom approach, this guide for educators of kindergarten through grade 6 is designed to help teachers set up physical spaces that are…

In this book, three veteran teachers show how teachers can make real improvements in their classroom by concentrating on basic skills. There are 13 chapters in three sections. The first section, "Time and Classroom Space" (Joyce McLeod), focuses on (1) "Setting Up the Classroom"; (2) "Managing Instructional Time"; (3) "Managing Administrative…

This ERIC digest discusses strategies for recognizing and nurturing giftedness in young children in the regular classroom. It begins by describing giftedness and providing a list of characteristics common in gifted four-, five-, and six-year-olds. The use of portfolios for identifying giftedness is discussed, along with the benefits of consulting…

Schools have been faced with design and technology changes over the past few years, raising issues when planners consider both new and existing school accommodations. This document illustrates typical design examples and suggests an approach which individual schools can use to assess their own design and technology accommodation requirements.…