NEW CONCEPT IN SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

MARY JANE G. MONTEMAYOR

The latest concept is designing instructional spaces is to provide variously shaped classroom. These include hexagonal, wedged, circular, squared, and triangular shapes, all in a clustered arrangement These rooms have all the latest equipment in modular designs, the spaces are purported to stimulate innovative and experimental teaching methods, including team teaching, large-or small group- instruction, use of audio-visual and electronic equipment and independent or exploratory study. These more imaginative designs are found in school districts experimenting with newer approaches, stressing cooperative teaching programs and various sizes of learning groups.

Some of the new educational techniques and media that must be planned for are: science, reading and language laboratories ,microfilm reafers, teaching machines and closed circuit television. These are in addition to the usual movie projectors. New planning may include the installation of computers for data processing, class scheduling, and information retrieval.

New schools must be constructed with sufficient, electrical panels, breakers, and electric outlets to handle the extra load imposed by the use of newer instructional media. Old schools will need to be completely rewired.

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The author is Teacher III at Remedios Elementary School