Evidence-Based Design of Elementary and Secondary Schools


Book Description

An in-depth, evidence-based design approach to the design of elementary and secondary schools The contemporary school must be a vibrant, living extension of its community. Evidence-Based Design of Elementary and Secondary Schools instructs design professionals on how to successfully achieve this goal. With assistance from research-intensive principles grounded in theories, concepts, and research methodologies—and with roots in the behavioral sciences—this book examines and provides strategies for pooling streams of information to establish a holistic design approach that is responsive to the changing needs of educators and their students. This book: Delivers an overview of the current research and learning theories in education, and how they apply to contemporary school design Explores the history of school design in the United States Examines the role of information technology in education Includes case studies of more than twenty exemplary school designs, based on research of the best physical environments for learning and education Considers what learning environments may be in the near future Evidence-Based Design of Elementary and Secondary Schools analyzes the current shift toward a modern architectural paradigm that balances physical beauty, and social awareness, and building technologies with functionality to create buildings that optimize the educational experience for all learners. Enlightening as well as informative, this forward-thinking guide provides educational facility planners, designers, and architects with the tools they need to confidently approach their next school building project. In addition, this guide provides administrators, educators, and researchers with design options for rethinking and creating innovative learning environments.
















Understanding by Design


Book Description

What is understanding and how does it differ from knowledge? How can we determine the big ideas worth understanding? Why is understanding an important teaching goal, and how do we know when students have attained it? How can we create a rigorous and engaging curriculum that focuses on understanding and leads to improved student performance in today's high-stakes, standards-based environment? Authors Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe answer these and many other questions in this second edition of Understanding by Design. Drawing on feedback from thousands of educators around the world who have used the UbD framework since its introduction in 1998, the authors have greatly revised and expanded their original work to guide educators across the K-16 spectrum in the design of curriculum, assessment, and instruction. With an improved UbD Template at its core, the book explains the rationale of backward design and explores in greater depth the meaning of such key ideas as essential questions and transfer tasks. Readers will learn why the familiar coverage- and activity-based approaches to curriculum design fall short, and how a focus on the six facets of understanding can enrich student learning. With an expanded array of practical strategies, tools, and examples from all subject areas, the book demonstrates how the research-based principles of Understanding by Design apply to district frameworks as well as to individual units of curriculum. Combining provocative ideas, thoughtful analysis, and tested approaches, this new edition of Understanding by Design offers teacher-designers a clear path to the creation of curriculum that ensures better learning and a more stimulating experience for students and teachers alike.




Designing Elementary Classrooms


Book Description







Building Type Basics for Elementary and Secondary Schools


Book Description

Essential information for the design of elementary and secondary schools Building Type Basics for Elementary and Secondary Schools, Second Edition is your one-stop reference for the essential information you need to confidently begin the design process and successfully complete the design for elementary and secondary schools, large or small, on time and within budget. Bradford Perkins shares his firsthand knowledge in order to guide architects, planners, engineers, and their clients through all aspects of the design of school facilities. This new edition is up-to-date with the latest developments in school design with a fresh look at technology's influence in the classroom, along with current research that shows how school buildings can impact teaching and learning. Highly illustrated and filled with new school case studies with project photographs, diagrams, floor plans, sections, and details, this book combines in-depth coverage of the structural, mechanical, acoustic, traffic, and safety issues unique to schools, with the nuts-and-bolts design guidelines that will start any project off on the right track and keep it there through completion. This new edition offers: Numerous photographs, diagrams, plans, and sections An expanded and detailed guide for programming school facilities A new chapter on circulation and basic planning options New material on current trends in school planning and design A new chapter on sustainable design ideas An updated chapter on technology in schools An expanded discussion of international school design opportunities and issues This conveniently organized quick reference is an invaluable guide for busy, dedicated professionals who want to get moving quickly as they embark on a new project. Like every Building Type Basics book, it provides authoritative, up-to-date information instantly and saves professionals countless hours of research.