In conversations about pedagogy, researchers often overlook how physical space and movement shape teacher sensemaking. This article offers a comparative case study of classroom videos using a dynamic visual method to map embodied interaction called "interaction geography." Our analysis proposes an integrative framework to study classroom…

Interventions and programmes to support the development of preschool children's social and emotional skills are commonly used in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings. Research suggests the physical and sensory ECEC environment can influence children's social and emotional development. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the…

Acoustics in schools have been studied during years, but nowadays there are more possibilities than ever before to introduce improvements. This study presents a systematic literature review determining what acoustic parameters are present in classrooms and how they affect both teachers and students. Following the analysis, we put forward a…

Background: School violence can impact the social, psychological, and physical well-being of both students and teachers and disrupt the learning process. This review focuses on a new area of research, the mechanisms by which the school environment determines the likelihood of school violence. Methods: A search for peer-reviewed articles was made…

The impact of classroom stimuli, such as novelty, color, noise, and proximity to teacher or peers on both normal and exceptional children is reviewed. The relation between these sources of classroom stimulation and information sources (i.e., type of task and access to material, person, and role resources) is also discussed. (Author/CL)

Cites a relationship between the quality of classroom environments and literacy-related behaviors and learning. Presents four effective design concepts for literacy classrooms which affect learning: presence/absence of literacy tools; space arrangement and placement of literacy tools within that space; social interaction using literacy tools; and…

Reviews and evaluates studies of the effects of light, color, and air quality on the learning environment. Concludes that studies suggest a role for light in establishing and maintaining physiological functions and balances and a need for improved air quality in airtight, energy efficient buildings. (JHZ)

The paper addresses the nature of the physical environment of classrooms for young handicapped children. Research is cited on the factors important in successful interventions in five areas (sample subtopics in parentheses): social interaction (materials that promote interaction, staff-child ratios); language learning (importance of engaging…

Reviews what is known about the effects on students of thermal, visual, and acoustical elements in classrooms. (Author/MLF)

A representative sample of current research investigating ecological variables in classrooms is reviewed in this paper. Empirically-based recommendations for classroom arrangement and suggested areas of research which might be beneficial to the development of prescriptive guidelines for preschool classrooms for handicapped children are provided.…

Presents research findings regarding the susceptibility of young children to various indoor environmental pollutants including cigarette smoke, heating and cooking equipment, art supplies, lead, and asbestos. Discusses assessment, management, and prevention of environmental hazards to provide guidelines for achieving a safe child care environment.…

Reviews some of the most relevant research regarding classroom design, draws from this research a number of principles for the design and management of classroom space, and discusses issues that need to be examined with respect to the effective use of the physical environment in instruction. Forty-two references are listed. (Author/CHC)

This review of research on the development of self-concept in young children defines and differentiates the various dimensions of self-concept; notes problems associated with measuring self-concept; comments on the relationship between cognitive development and self-concept, and discusses external factors related to self-concept development. (BB)

The physical environment of the classroom is a web of interrelated and, in many instances, interdependent variables. To examine the effects of the physical environment of the classroom, a total of 45 annotated citations are grouped under the following categories: (1) importance and description of classroom environment; (2) individual factors of…

Research on the impact of classroom environment on student behavior, attitudes, and achievement is reviewed. The review is divided into three areas: environmental variables; ecological perspectives; and open space school designs. Research needs are discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of various research designs are summarized.…