The performance specifications of furniture and equipment for open education and open-plan schools differ from conventional classroom furniture in that it must be easily moved, have a range of dimensions, contain multipurpose interchangeable components, and be designed to accommodate a variety of student/teacher uses. The author suggests some…

The Society of Industrial Artists and Designers (SIAD) has for over 40 years been working to establish design as a profession with a status equivalent to that of architecture or engineering. Intended as a selective review of recent British illustration and design in industry, advertising, and publishing, this volume is the seventh in a series…

A school principal described the atmosphere and total commitment that has made her school and its members into a family. (RK)

Investigates student preferences for style of classroom seating arrangements (traditional straightrow, horseshoe, and modular) and concludes that seating preferences are influenced by both course attractiveness and student communication apprehension level. (MH)

Classroom environmental factors that promote or inhibit a climate facilitating learning are discussed, and general principles that may serve as a guide to developing effective classroom settings are presented. (MJB)

Organization of materials and stimuli presented on classroom walls can enhance acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of concepts presented to students, according to a limited study of elementary (including some special needs) students who were compared with students taught in a traditional situation. (CB)

Based on an unspecified number of teachers surveyed and onsite visits, agreement exists about some features of optimum facilities for secondary classes in electronic technology. All involved wanted more security, adequate wiring, protection for the equipment, and environmental control. (MLF)

Through questionnaires, observations, and interviews, this study revealed the degree to which 31 high school teachers altered their classroom spaces and/or adjusted their routines to meet their pedagogical goals at a temporary school site. Teachers emphatically desired: (1) an appropriate amount of space to rearrange student furniture, enabling…

Schools vary in the way they choose to deliver their art curriculum, and this affects their accommodation needs. This document provides guidance on accommodation for art and design in secondary schools, concentrating on the needs of 11- to 16-year-old pupils. (No specific advice on the specific needs of special education students is provided.)…

A 1982 British study examined the furniture needs of 16-19 year-old students. This report presented the findings on the technical and performance requirements in terms of durability and ergonomics. This report examines the furniture requirements in teaching spaces, social, refreshment and private study areas, storage requirements for pupils'…

Included among these tips for avoiding chaos when computers are installed in classrooms are ways to avoid magnetic fields and static, meet electrical and air requirements, control light and sound, and design and arrange furniture. (MLF)

The intelligent purchase of school office equipment, specifically word processors, typewriters, calculators, and furniture, requires analysis of present needs and a realistic evaluation of future needs. (MLF)

The author describes physical conditions in the classroom--light, sound, color and touch, and space--that the educator can alter to improve human comfort and thus make the classroom a more pleasurable, effective place for both teacher and student. (Editor)

Presents five steps for establishing an organized plan for selecting and purchasing school library/media center furniture: (1) programming; (2) schematic design; (3) contract documents -- bid specification; (4) formatting price tables; and (5) coordination -- post-award to installation. Sidebar lists name and address of library furniture…