The functions, equipment, furnishings, and design spaces for physics teaching in lower and higher secondary schools are described. The following requirements for physics laboratories are discussed--(1) movable furniture, (2) group facilities, (3) visual display areas, and (4) benches and work surfaces. Floor plans, photographs, and diagrams are…

Enhancing the learning environment and physical features of the college classroom are discussed in the light of educational programing. Concepts and principles for planning academic facilities and programs are given, including the instructor jurisdiction principle in classroom usage. The physical and psychological design needs for a learning…

Some characteristics of children, their families, the programs they attended, and the relationship of these experiences to their development are covered in this national report on the immediate changes associated with participation in full year Head Start programs. Major emphasis was placed on the child's cognitive and social development in the…

This study attempts to ascertain the extent to which the classrooms reflect a model of open education. The findings are based on an examination of five classrooms and a supplementary analysis of responses to a questionnaire administered to practitioners in 30 school districts. Each classroom is described in terms of the Rathbone model of open…

This report describes a 12-week pilot phase of an affective education program in the Stuttgart School District, Arkansas. Participating in the program were 218 children, grades 2-4, and a team of nineteen teachers who were given 12 weeks of in-service training designed to facilitate their use of the DUSO, Focus on Self-Development Human…

The major thesis of this paper is that the stimulation of children's intellectual development may require greater intensity in the relationships between adults and children in preschool programs than is typically the case. The author separates two variables in adult-child relationships: warmth and intensity. Warmth is generally defined as…

This booklet presents an overview of the Flexible Learning System, which consists of a set of activity based units for trainers interested in a process-oriented personalized approach to both staff development and early childhood education. The following available units are briefly described: (1) Analyzing Children's Books from a Chicano…

Reviews the literature and identifies and explores five characteristics shown to exist in both the adventure-based learning environment and effective traditional classroom settings. Discusses small learning group size, cooperative learning environments, communication of high expectations for students, building on student success, creating a…

Describes the experience of a writing residency from the host teacher's point of view. Notes that students' attitude changed from an aversion to poetry to enjoyment of both reading and writing poetry. Notes that students now enjoy emotional self-expression through writing. Also discusses teaching techniques and school environment. (JG)

Reports results of a study in which 35 teachers of children ages 2.5 through kindergarten were interviewed and observed during group time. Reveals tentative conclusions that teachers can plan and implement activities that are more appropriate to the age, developmental level, or social functioning of the group. Offers specific recommendations for…

"EFF HOT (Highlights on Teaching Topics) Topics" is a publication of the EFF (Equipped for the Future) Center for Training and Technical Assistance. Each issue concentrates on a specific topic, highlighting examples of actual practice and offering strategies and tools for using EFF in the classroom. This issue of "HOT Topics"…

This completely revised and updated ASCD best-seller is loaded with ideas for how to improve student achievement and create a more effective classroom by applying brain research to your teaching. Renowned author and educator Eric Jensen translates the latest scientific findings into effective instructional strategies, including: (1) Why to start…

This book describes and analyzes authority relationships in classrooms through explorations of theory, prior research, and contemporary qualitative studies. The emphasis is on the social construction of authority and the crucial role authority plays in K-16 teachers' pedagogy and students' academic engagement and achievement. The introductory…

This report describes instructional strategies to decrease anxiety and frustration in the Spanish classroom. Participants were five 7th grade Spanish classes in two suburban middle schools. Student interventions included a study skills guide; partner and group presentations, skits, and activities; and group oral reading. Teacher interventions…

Certain literacy knowledge acquired prior to the initiation of beginning reading instruction is necessary for early reading success. Unfortunately, children from low- income families and who are likely to attend schools with low reading performance are less likely to have acquired such knowledge. Taking professionals and students step-by-step…