An Investigation of Teacher-Student Interpersonal Behavior in Science Classrooms Using Laptop Computers

Abstract

This study was part of a larger evaluation of the effectiveness of laptop computers in grades 8 and 9 science classrooms, in a sample of Australian Independent Schools. In the study described in this article, students' perceptions of their teacher's interpersonal behavior were assessed using the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI). As this was the first time this questionnaire had been used in science classrooms where laptop computers were being used, important validation data are provided. Associations between teacher-student interpersonal behavior and students' attitudes to science and their enquiry skill achievement were also investigated. Students' attitudes to science were assessed using a scale adapted from the Test of Science-Related Attitudes (TOSRA) and achievement was measured using scales from the Test of Enquiry Skills (TOES). The QTI, attitude scale, and enquiry skills scales were administered to 433 laptop students in grades 8 and 9 science classes, in nine Independent schools across four Australian states. Descriptive statistics confirmed the reliability and validity of the QTI for science laptop classroom research. Generally, laptop students' perceptions of teacher-student interpersonal relationships were found to be positively associated with students' attitudinal and cognitive achievement outcomes.