Two different methods which minimize achromatic cues were used to test the ability of one-month-olds to discriminate gray from broadband blue. Test data imply an improvement between birth and one month of age in the discrimination of gray from broadband blue. Possible physiological changes underlying this improvement are discussed. (Author/RWB)

This paper discusses environmental preference, particularly related to the design of children's museums. It explains that preference for an environment leads to motivation to interact with the environment, which leads to learning. It lays out several design principles: (1) involve children in the process of children's museum design in a way that…

This paper asserts that, despite rhetoric of added value, facilities management suffers a dearth of objectively researched, publicly available information concerning the impact of facilities on businesses at the level of market sectors or individual organizations. The paper aims to correct that situation for United Kingdom higher education…

Asserting that without an adequate acoustical environment, learning activities can be hindered, this paper reviews the literature on classroom acoustics, particularly noise, reverberation, signal-to-noise ratio, task performance, and recommendations for improvement. Through this review, the paper seeks to determine whether portable classrooms…

This paper discusses the technical features necessary for a good World Wide Web (WWW) discussion forum, the fact that it should be seen as part of a more general cooperative space, and psycho-sociological aspects that are essential for success. The first section introduces the paper and lists reasons why newsgroups are generally more successful…

This paper explores the issues associated with poor acoustics within schools. Additionally, it suggests remedies for existing buildings and those under renovation, as well as concerns for new construction. The paper discusses the effects of unwanted noise on students in terms of physiological, motivational, and cognitive influences. Issues are…

Author suggests that the function of a building must come first and outlines the four major areas that should be included among the facilities of any learning resources center. (Author/RK)

Study sought to measure the relationship between the preference for complexity-asymmetry on the Welsh Figure Preference Tests and the degree of differentiation of form on a figure drawing task. Data indicated that passive appreciative behaviors were quite distinct from active manipulative behaviors in art learning experiences. (Author)

Results clearly show a preference for correctly classified familiar shapes over their novel counterparts. (Authors)

In order to understand the dynamic influences of the physical environment on seating behavior, a longitudinal study was made of seating choices in the reading area of a university library. Based on analysis, a predictive model was outlined that extrapolates observed behavior in a space to new environmental settings. (BL)

The hypothesis that perceptual development proceeds from less to greater dimensional separability was tested by giving a speeded classification task to first and fourth graders. Results supported the hypothesis that development proceeds toward greater flexibility of attention rather than simply toward increasing separability. (Author/DB)

Students in a community design class worked with fifth- and sixth-grade students in planning and constructing models for a local elementary school playground. (MLF)

Describes a study of journalism students that indicated that they slightly preferred front page designs that were ultramodern, followed in order by designs that were traditional, modified traditional, and contemporary. Reports that prior education in editing classes appeared to affect responses. (TJ)

The authors stress the need to design an individualized living plan for handicapped individuals which would protect the needs of this special population and create a variety of programs to foster alternate living arrangements. (PHR)

Reports on the Smithsonian Institution's four-day international symposium on "Children in Museums." (RMH)