Science teachers often have two different curricula--the ideal framework on paper and the real, day-to-day instructional program that occurs in the classroom. A number of factors can affect how much of that ideal framework is accomplished. For example, how a facility is designed and how space is used can affect student achievement, classroom…

Creating a classroom environment which is conducive to learning is one of the most important things a teacher can do. This becomes even more crucial as students enter classrooms with their cell phones, pagers, and beepers. Additionally, many students are tardy for class, leave early, or may not appear in class on numerous occasions. Therefore,…

This research examined the extent to which 2.5- to 5-year-old children in three Kindergarten classrooms in Thessaloniki, Greece could be taught about the use of classroom space and equipment. The study combined the theoretical perspectives of Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner, and Frangos with the views of theater director Peter Brook. Mixed-age groups of…

The classroom teacher in preschool special education must focus attention in several areas in order to create a smoothly operating and effective classroom environment. Because most of the learning experiences provided for young children are dependent upon interaction with materials, attention must first be given to purchasing and gathering…

This paper describes the activities of a University of California, Davis, advisory group that was charged with monitoring campus classroom environments and proposing corrective action to remedy deficiencies and establish design criteria for consideration in the construction of future instructional facilities. A survey of faculty and students was…

Results of a study on physical space, materials, and activities of children and adults are used as the basis for suggestions for arrangements of physical space conducive to stimulating growth-producing behaviors of children in preschools and day care centers. (ED)

The use of computers in the writing classroom changes the actual activities used in class, adapting some present activities and creating new paradigm activities, and also changes the arrangement of the classroom, forcing a radical rethinking of spatial design. The computer classroom is not a passive room, one where information goes out from the…

This paper examines the methods used in designing school and classroom environments. The tools are labeled: (1) discipline-centered schooling; (2) empirical-naturalistic schooling; and (3) great works schooling. First, the outline endeavors to reveal the essential elements of the three tools that represent images, structures, or "maps" of…

A total of 20 first- and second-grade classrooms were observed to determine the nature of their behavior settings, and to ascertain teacher goals and values implicit in the classroom organization. Observation revealed strong differences among subject areas in both time allotment and variety of resources and activities. Language arts occupied the…

Intended to assist educators and trainers who must make recommendations about facilities to architects and school authorities, this ERIC information analysis project summarizes research on the design of both classrooms and individualized learning spaces that will optimize learning. Six teaching/learning space topics are considered: (1) light and…

Three exercises have been developed to help participants experience and analyze the effects of seating arrangements on interpersonal communication. The exercises have been used in classes for college students and for federal and municipal employees. This paper discusses the objectives of the exercises and provides detailed instructions for…

The intent of this booklet is to provide practitioners and parents with (1) research findings related to three aspects of development important to all children--problem solving abilities, language development, and self-concept; (2) interpretations of these findings; and (3) activities for children appropriate to these findings. Bibliographies of…

A project was undertaken at two state universities to investigate the physical dimensions of college classroom environments and their effects on student attitudes and the determining factors of such attitudes. The attitudes of 789 undergraduate, introductory psychology students toward 11 college classrooms were surveyed through administration of…

A review of research indicates that a relationship may exist between student seating arrangement, student personality characteristics, and student/teacher verbal interaction. To test hypotheses about the functional relationship among these concepts, researchers collected personality data from 285 students in two sections of a college introductory…

A non-sexist preschool program was developed which attempted to eliminate sex-stereotyping in room arrangement, classroom materials, curriculum units, and teacher behavior and language. Measurements of sex-role stereotyping administered to the children before and after a 6-month exposure to the non-sexist program consisted of an Occupation Clue…