School facilities : the relationship of the physical environment to teacher professionalism /
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1990.
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | ProQuest, Abstract Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | Education reform research shows the physical environment affects teachers in their performance as professionals. Research by the Interface Task Force specifically has recognized the enhancement of the ability of teachers to function as professionals as one of six areas in which an educational facility impacts learning. Educational systems throughout the nation face the enormous cost of replacing or renovating educational facilities. They must invest in facilities which build teacher self-esteem and permit teachers to function to the best of their professional abilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions State Teachers of the Year (1988) had about how school facilities affected their ability to function as professionals. The study revealed that, except for space utilization, the teachers were satisfied with all the physical environmental aspects of their schools' instructional areas. They were also satisfied with noninstructional features except for telephones for teacher use; teacher to teacher conference areas; teacher professional libraries; and planning, lounge, and dining areas. Statistically significant differences in perceptions were found by gender, teaching level, and years of experience. The teachers ranked classroom furnishings, classroom equipment, and ambient features as most important environmental features. They were least pleased with space utilization, acoustics, thermal conditions, equipment, and areas for planning, conferencing, and relaxation in their schools. The respondents also suggested features from their present facilities and features to add when planning new facilities. This information will aid educational facility planners to meet the professional needs of teachers. Further research could examine the responses of secondary male and female teachers as compared to elementary male and female teachers and of teachers in open space classrooms as compared to self-contained classrooms. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Educational administration." |
| Physical Description: | x, 133 leaves ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |