Classified according to the roles played by children and teachers, curriculum models for early childhood education fall into four general categories: (1) structured/programed; (2) open/interaction; (3) child-centered; and (4) eclectic. Methods and objectives of each approach are discussed. (PP)

A sample of 2175 students in 116 science classes provided their perceptions of actual and preferred classroom openness along five continuous dimensions (personalization, participation, independence, investigation, differentiation) and responded to cognitive/affective measure. Among findings reported are relationships between actual classroom…

Horizon High School combats student dropout rates in Bakersfield (California) by maintaining a small enrollment, high community involvement, close student-teacher relationships, flexible scheduling, and attention to individual students' educational needs and interests. Student attendance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores are…

Compares the effectiveness of interactive free choice learning experiences to and combined with the lecture-demonstration approach in teaching sixth-grade children (N=50) to criticize and control experiments. Results contradict Piagetian theory regarding the importance of interactive experiences and exposure to materials in fostering these…

The relationships among cooperation-competition, perceptions of locus of control in social situations, and locus of control in intellectual-academic situations were compared among fourth- and fifth-graders in traditional and open classrooms. Open education children were more cooperative, and traditional students displayed higher internality for…

On achievement and behavior, girls were rated higher than boys and internals higher than externals. Sex interacted with school environment, such that girls' achievement ratings exceeded those of boys only in open classes. Locus of control by environment interaction was not found for achievement or behavior rankings. (Author)

One of the most successful motivators in elementary physical education today is the concept of "themed learning centers." Such themes might involve the popular topics of superheroes or television stars. Included in this presentation are lists of basic components and purposes for themed learning centers, and a sample learning center. (JN)

Evidence from evaluation studies of open classroom effects on children is not sufficiently consistent to warrant unqualified endorsement of that approach over more traditional methods. However, there is enough evidence to support the open classroom as a viable alternative when teachers and parents are interested in such a program. (RD)

Understanding the spirit and philosophy of open education constitutes the most important ingredient for successful adaptation to an open classroom; teachers need training and retraining before implementing an open classroom. (JD)

Discusses the reading plans used in two open classrooms. A classroom for third/fourth graders is designed to provide experiences in joining written languages to things and activities, while a class of fifth/sixth graders is encouraged to work together in small groups and help each other. (Author/JM)

Presents the tools and methodologies that underlie the ARIADNE framework for enabling open and distance education and enhancing more conventional training schemes. The ARIADNE concept relies on a distributed knowledge pool system that stores pedagogically indexed educational resources. The basic approach is one of share and reuse. (AIM)

Identifies and explains the parameters relevant for self-assessment and accreditation of programs in distance mode institutions. Discusses general perspectives on quality; defining quality in higher education and in open learning and distance education modes; organization structure of open universities; measurement of quality; parameters for…

Three aspects of JITOL (Just in Time Open Learning) are differentiated according to the importance of the social exchanges, the role of the tutor, and the vision of the knowledge building process. The support of professional learning needs research that analyzes needs and problems, informs regulation and decision making, and highlights the…