Self-esteem of 350 seventh-grade students from open and traditional elementary schools was measured. The seven open and eight traditional classes represented significantly different treatment groups. No group differences in self-esteem were found, nor were effects found for socioeconomic status, IQ, or sibling position. Girls had higher…

A year-long study to evaluate the relative educational outcomes of open and traditional education is being conducted at the O. W. Huth Upper Grade Center, Matteson, Illinois. Midpoint analyses and evaluations of the study are presented. The open plan group includes 140 randomly assigned 7th- and 8th- graders in a single, specially constructed…

New patterns of organization are required to make openspace work in order to achieve the individual learning goals of students working at their own level, seeking information independently, and interacting freely with other students when required. A comparison of the traditional classroom with what is happening in the more "open" openrooms reveals…