The study presents a phenomenologically based research procedure, whose intent is to examine people's school experience and the meaning they ascribe to "school." Participants in this investigative endeavor are instructed to sketch an "ideal school," present their plan in a visual-schematic manner, and provide an oral and written description of…

It has been argued by both educationalists and social researchers that visual methods are particularly appropriate for the investigation of people's experiences of the school environment. The current and expected building work taking place in British schools provides an opportunity for exploration of methods, as well as a need to establish ways to…

The study investigates in particular whether the multiple use of one building plan was economical, whether limitations were thereby imposed on the school program, and what inadequacies were discovered in the school building constructed. Conclusions, recommendations, and a bibliography are included. (FPO)

Behavioral Path Analysis is both a theory and a methodology for studying person-environment interactions. It is designed to be applicable to the evaluation of both environments in use and proposed designed environments. This paper presents the basics of the theory, and some examples of recent applications that have guided its development. The…

The physical facilities of 700 colleges and universities of the United States were studied by the National Center for Education Statistics in the fall of 1977. The primary study objectives were to: (1) develop a reliable estimate of what American colleges and universities must spend to make their programs accessible to the mobility impaired, as…

Although the physical environment of schools seems to affect the attitude and behavior of students and teachers, there is little scientific proof to support this belief. Two substantial studies have attempted to synthesize available research on the topic. First, an effort by Carol Weinstein has gathered significant data concerning spatial behavior…

Student computer laboratories are provided by most teaching institutions around the world; however, what is the most effective layout for such facilities? The log-in data files from computer laboratories at a regional university in Australia were analysed to determine whether there was a pattern in student seating. In particular, it was…

Author proposed a set of concepts and methods for the measurement of educational environments. He compared the activity-with-facility (synomorph) patterns of schools of both open-plan and traditional architecture. (Editor/RK)

This literature review is intended for policymakers and researchers concerned with citizen participation in the educational decision-making process. The study examines (1) the functions of interest groups in social science analysis of the political process; (2) the dominant theories employed in social research on interest group processes; (3) the…