Perceptions Of Classroom Climate Research Articles

Development and Validation of the Teachers’ Perceptions of Classroom Climate Scale for the Portuguese Population

To improve learning outcomes, evidence-based processes suggest that classroom climate is a means of creating more sustainable schools committed to improving the quality of teaching and learning. Therefore, valid measures of classroom climate are necessary to enable comparative studies focused on teachers' perceptions, including important dimensions such as cooperation. As no validated instruments exist for the Portuguese context, we developed and validated the Teachers' Perception of Classroom Climate (TPCC), consisting of five dimensions: teacher support, peer support, academic competence, satisfaction with the school, and cooperation. Following a quantitative research approach, the construct validity was analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient, and test-retest reliability was assessed using univariate and multivariate General Linear Models and Spearman’s rho correlations. The study supported the five-factor structure of the TPCC and demonstrated good psychometric properties. These results support the use of the TPCC to evaluate teacher perceptions of classroom climate.

When ethnic-racial discrimination from math teachers spills over and predicts the math adjustment of nondiscriminated adolescents: The mediating role of math classroom climate perceptions.

Ethnic-racial discrimination is a pernicious experience that affects discriminated adolescents' healthy human development, but the spillover consequences of discrimination on the nondiscriminated adolescent population are less clear. Adolescents who vicariously witness their classmates experience ethnic-racial discrimination from educators may question their educators' authority and classroom rules, and educators who perpetuate discrimination may engage in other practices that disadvantage the entire classroom. Thus, we posed three research questions: Did classmates' ethnic-racial discrimination from teachers predict adolescents' classroom adjustment outcomes (e.g., class grades, test scores, and engagement), did classroom climate mediate the link between classmates' ethnic-racial discrimination and adolescents' classroom adjustment outcomes, and did the results differ between early versus middle adolescents? To answer these research questions, the present study leveraged longitudinal data among 1,539 adolescents (Mage = 13.81, SDage = 1.49; 60% Black, 30% White, 9% other, 1% Asian; 49% female, 51% male) nested in 104 math classrooms, as math is a subject domain with pervasive ethnic-racial stereotypes about students' abilities and opportunities to succeed in class. Results illustrated that direct and vicarious ethnic-racial discrimination from math educators in the fall semester predicted worse math course grades, state-administered standardized test scores, and classroom engagement across the fall and spring semesters. Math classroom climate perceptions mediated the longitudinal relations between ethnic-racial discrimination and their math adjustment outcomes, and the role of ethnic-racial discrimination varied across different developmental stages of adolescence. Implications for the measurement of ethnic-racial discrimination in the classroom context and the social contagion linked to ethnic-racial disadvantage are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Supplemental Material for When Ethnic–Racial Discrimination From Math Teachers Spills Over and Predicts the Math Adjustment of Nondiscriminated Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Math Classroom Climate Perceptions

Supplemental Material for When Ethnic–Racial Discrimination From Math Teachers Spills Over and Predicts the Math Adjustment of Nondiscriminated Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Math Classroom Climate Perceptions

Examining Texting in the Classroom Between Adolescents Without and With Learning Disabilities: Do Classroom Climate and Academic Boredom Matter?

The present study investigated texting in the classroom through written (SMS) and instant (social media) messages comparatively between adolescents without and with LD. Also, applying the Social Cognitive Theory, the role of perceived classroom climate and academic boredom in texting in the classroom was co-examined through an explanatory mediation model. Overall, 439 students (59% girls) without LD and 408 students (47% girls) with LD, who both attended randomly selected Greek junior high schools of Mainstream Education and used a mobile phone, completed self-reported scales about the variables involved with reference to the Modern Greek language course. The results showed that texting in the classroom (through written/instant messages) was above average for both student subgroups, regardless of their gender. However, within a comparative perspective, texting in the classroom through instant (social media) messages was higher for students with LD. Furthermore, in the relationship between perceived classroom climate and texting in the classroom (through written/instant messages) academic boredom proved a full mediator for students without LD and a partial mediator for students with LD. The findings imply the need for psychoeducational interventions in the context of specific school courses, to strengthen differentiated dimensions of psychosocial classroom climate for adolescents without and with LD. Thus, positive academic emotions and minimized disruptive texting in the classroom could be achieved.

To talk or to remain silent? Foreign language enjoyment and perceived classroom climate as drivers of change in Chinese EFL learners’ willingness to communicate: a latent growth curve analysis

ABSTRACT Classroom communication helps learners ameliorate their language proficiency, particularly speaking skills. Considering this, factors that bring favorable variations in language learners’ willingness to communicate (WTC) need to be identified. To address this need, many SLA researchers have strived to disclose the predictors or antecedents of L2 learners’ WTC. However, no researcher has examined the internal and external sources of this variable and the growth of L2 learners’ WTC via complexity-informed approaches. To bridge the gaps, using latent growth curve analysis (LGCA), the present study investigated the rate of change in Chinese EFL learners’ WTC at the beginning, middle, and the end of the semester and measured the role of foreign language enjoyment (FLE) and perceived classroom climate in predicting Chinese EFL learners’ WTC. To accomplish this, three self-report scales were administered to 894 EFL learners at three different times. Results indicated that Chinese EFL learners’ WTC significantly increased during the semester and uncovered that FLE and perceived classroom climate brought positive and significant variations in Chinese EFL learners’ WTC. The findings would be of great help to language teachers, notably English teachers, in raising L2 learners’ WTC.

Influence of Students Perceived Classroom Climate on English Language Learned Helplessness in China’s Vocational Colleges: Mediation of Classroom Silence and Academic Self-Efficacy

In this study, we investigated the mediating effects of classroom silence and academic self-efficacy on the relationship between English classroom climate and learned helplessness among vocational college students. A total of 501 students from 5 postsecondary vocational colleges in Fujian Province, China, were assessed using the Classroom Climate Scale, Classroom Silence Scale, Learning Self-Efficacy Scale, and English Learned Helplessness Scale. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the mediating effects of classroom silence and academic self-efficacy on the relationship between classroom climate and learned helplessness. We found that perceived classroom climate negatively affected students’ learned helplessness. In addition, classroom silence and academic self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between perceived classroom climate and learned helplessness. This study provides relevant recommendations for educational administrators, English teachers, and students.

Effects of economic regional differences and family on adolescents' aggressive behaviors: Perspective of ecosystem integration.

Based on the ecological systems theory and cumulative risk model, the current study aimed to determine the mediating effects of parenting styles, peer relationship, and psychological capital on family socioeconomic status and adolescents' aggressive behaviors, as well as the moderating effects of economic regional differences. In a cross-sectional design, 1271 Chinese adolescents were recruited to complete the MacArthur Scale, the short-form Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran, the Positive PsyCap Questionnaire, the peer support subscale in the Student Personal Perception of Classroom Climate, and the Aggression Questionnaire. After controlling for gender and age, parenting style, peer relationship, and psychological capital not only mediated, but also constituted multiple chains mediation between family socioeconomic status and aggressive behaviors. Moreover, economic regional differences moderated the multiple chains mediation model between family socioeconomic status and aggressive behaviors. The accumulation of multiple adverse factors increases the probability of inducing aggressive behaviors, and the development of psychological capital helps reduce the occurrence of aggressive behaviors in adolescents.

The roles of school racial climate and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classroom climate in adolescents’ gender and racial peer inclusion and attribution decisions

Adolescents use social identities and reasoning to make peer inclusion and attribution decisions. School climate plays a role in these decisions. Thus, this study analyzed how school racial climate and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) classroom climate were associated with the choices of adolescents (N = 294; Mage = 15.72 years; 52.3 % female; 36.7 % White/European American, 32.9 % Black/African American, 11.2 % Latino/Hispanic [the most common racial/ethnic groups in the schools where data collection took place]) in two tasks: peer inclusion and attribution of ability. On the peer inclusion task, participants were more likely to choose a non-White peer for a STEM activity if they had lower perceptions of stereotyping at school, and they were more likely to choose a female peer if they were female. Participants were more likely to use reasoning based on personal characteristics when choosing a peer, but female participants who chose a female peer were more likely to use reasoning based on gender. On the attribution task, participants were more likely to choose a non-White peer if they perceived greater STEM connectedness, and they were more likely to choose a White or male peer if they had more positive relationships with their STEM teachers. Therefore, students’ perceptions of school racial climate relate to adolescents’ peer inclusion decisions, and their perceptions of STEM classroom climate relate to adolescents’ ability attributions. Schools may need to focus on creating welcoming school and classroom environments as a way to promote equity in STEM.

Social-emotional classroom climate and academic achievement for Chinese elementary students: The roles of convergent and divergent thinking

This study aims to explore the effects of the social-emotional classroom climate on academic achievement in mathematics and literature for elementary students in grades 3 through 6. The research specifically focuses on the indirect role of creative thinking (convergent and divergent thinking). Structural equation modeling techniques were used to examine data collected from 1365 Chinese elementary students. The results indicate that in mathematics and literature classrooms, (1) the social-emotional climate had a positive effect on school achievement, and (2) divergent and convergent thinking play indirect roles between social-emotional climate and academic achievement. The findings suggest that elementary students’ positive perception of social-emotional classroom climate, including the perceptions of teacher support and student cohesiveness, can promote divergent and convergent thinking and ultimately contribute to the output of academic achievement in mathematics and literature.

Development of adolescents’ self-esteem and general academic self-concept: perceived classroom climate makes a difference

We investigated rank-order continuity and mean-level change in adolescents’ self-esteem, academic self-concept, and social self-concept and tested whether interindividual differences in intraindividual change could be explained by four dimensions of classroom climate (i.e., teachers’ focus on students, learning community, pressure related to social or achievement issues, and rivalry and disruptions in class). The effects of classroom climate dimensions were investigated at the individual and classroom levels. The study comprised 2722 students from 98 classes who participated in four waves from grades 5 to 8. Rank-order continuities of self-esteem, academic self-concept, and social self-concept were substantial. Multilevel regressions revealed a significant nonlinear mean-level change in all constructs under investigation, indicating an initial decrease that became smaller over time. In self-esteem and social self-concept, the trend shifted from an initial decrease to an increase. Multilevel regressions revealed significant interindividual differences in the changes over time in all constructs. Change in academic self-concept was significantly predicted by all classroom climate dimensions on the individual level. Change in self-esteem was predicted by teachers’ focus on students and pressure related to social or achievement issues on the individual level. Change in social self-concept was not predicted by any classroom climate dimension.

The relationship between perceived classroom climate and academic performance among English-major teacher education students in Guangxi, China: The mediating role of student engagement.

The academic performance of teacher education students predicts their future career development and it is also a significant factor related to their future students’ academic performance. However, little is known about the associations between perceived classroom climate, student engagement and academic performance, especially for English-major teacher education students. This study was to examine English-major teacher education students’ academic performance in relation to perceived classroom climate, student engagement. The questionnaire consisted of the Emotional Classroom Climate Scale, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale – Student Form-3 Item (UWES-SF-3), and the 5-item Academic Performance Scale. This study investigated 307 English-major teacher education students in Guangxi, China. Among them, 280 (91.2%) were females, and 27 (8.8%) were males, aged between 18 and 24 (M = 20.34, SD = 1.26). Results indicated that perceived classroom climate was positively associated with student engagement and academic performance among English-major teacher education students; their student engagement was positively associated with their academic performance, and student engagement partially mediated the relationship between perceived classroom climate and academic performance. The findings supported the motivational process of study demands-resources (SD-R) model and revealed that perceived classroom climate and student engagement were significant factors linked to academic performance, and practical suggestions were discussed.

Profiles of Achievement Motivation and Performance in Middle School: Links to Student Background and Perceived Classroom Climate.

Achievement motivation and performance at school are reciprocally related, however, empirical studies report a large variability of findings and, in some cases, weaker than expected associations between these constructs. To further our understanding of the motivation–performance link, we examined typical patterns of motivation and performance and their correlates, in two cohorts of 8th-grade students (N1 = 998, N2 = 441). As expected, we identified both concordant and discordant patterns of achievement motivation and performance. In two subgroups, specifically, those characterized by low motivation and low performance (34% of the sample) and those characterized by high motivation and high performance (18% of the sample), the levels of motivation were highly concordant with scores on math and reading tests. In contrast, the other two profiles—weak motivation with elevated performance (38% of all sample) and high motivation with low performance (9% of the sample) had divergent patterns of motivation and performance. The subgroups also differed on student socio-economic background, special educational needs, gender, as well as perceptions of classroom climate. Overall, our findings reveal context-dependent patterns of the relationship between aspects of achievement motivation and performance.

Ecological service‐learning positively impacts classroom climate and empowers undergraduates for environmental action

AbstractService‐learning (SL) is a type of participatory action‐oriented, experiential learning that connects course content with a need in the community. This type of learning is particularly well suited to environmentally themed courses as student action can have a positive impact on the environment while developing students' conservation ethics and “soft skills” required for many conservation jobs. SL was incorporated into one of two sections of an existing, junior‐level elective course in plant biology. As a service activity, undergraduates participated in the removal of an invasive species (Lespedeza cuneata) along a local greenway. We asked whether students who participated in a modest amount of SL demonstrated greater knowledge of plant biology, stronger connections to their class community, and increased self‐efficacy for environmental action than students who do not participate in SL. Data on student content knowledge, perceptions of classroom climate, and views of one's ability to positively impact the environment were collected through surveys given at the beginning and end of the semester. Instructor‐generated content questions and two published, validated surveys—the Connected Classroom Climate Inventory and Self‐Efficacy for Environmental Action scale—were used. We found that SL students showed a slightly increased sense of community with their peers, which has been found to have positive effects on learning, but not an increased perception of their own ability to be an agent of social change. In addition, SL provided an ecological benefit, assisted the local community, and created a positive example of university students giving back to the city.

Exploring students' learning and motivation in a lesson study for learning community (LSLC) environment: a new perspective

PurposeThe present qualitative paper examined the changes in students' motivation before and after lesson study for learning community implementation at a primary school in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachStudent focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with six students from each of the classes involved in the research lessons. Students were asked specific questions relating to the research lessons and teachers.FindingsFindings suggest that there are some changes in students' perception of classroom climate and their motivation to learn after the implementation of lesson study for learning community. Together with self-determination theory, lesson study for learning community may be viewed as a social and collaborative model as well as a supportive learning climate, promoting students' adaptive outcomes and needs satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsTeachers need to be provided support to plan their lessons and to become familiar with the lesson study for learning community approach. There is also a major challenge of teacher “buy-in” whether they would undertake the practice of lesson study for learning community voluntarily.Originality/valueThis study provides evidence of the existence of an approach via listening pedagogy for the teaching of listening that focuses on students' motivation to listen and learn in class.

The Effect of Social-Emotional Learning Program on Social-Emotional Skills, Academic Achievement and Classroom Climate

This research aimed to examine the effects of “You Can Do It! Education” and “Emotional and Social Development” which are social-emotional learning programs, on fourth-grade students’ development of social-emotional skills, academic achievement, and perceptions of the classroom climate in Turkey. A mixed methods research design was used to investigate the effectiveness of the programs. Fourth-grade students were randomly assigned to the groups. Two classes in YCDI! Education and ESDP are taught each week. Thus, each program was applied for 8 weeks in the experimental groups. Besides, elementary teachers conducted their regular Turkish lessons for the control and experimental groups. Reflective diaries were kept and observations were made by the researcher during the experiment to explain the findings in detail. The results indicate that You Can Do It! Education program had a positive effect on students’ social-emotional skills, academic achievement, and classroom climate perceptions in contrast to the Emotional and Social Development Program. Findings will contribute to the development of elementary students' social-emotional learning in national and international contexts.

To disclose or not? Children’s tendency to disclose peer victimisation in elementary school

This study aimed to shed light on the prevalence of chronic peer victimisation among Dutch elementary school children and factors associated with (non-)disclosure of such experiences by victims. 5,961 students from 73 schools participated (51.5% male; M age = 9.96; 77.7% native Dutch). Results showed that 12.3% of all children were victimised chronically, of which 29.4% did not disclose. Multilevel logistic regressions indicated that girls, older and native Dutch children were more likely to disclose. Moreover, experiencing depressive symptoms prompts disclosing victimisation. Anxiety, high emotion regulation skills, and perceptions of cohesion in the classroom were negatively associated with disclosure. The disclosure was not related to frequency or duration of victimisation, self-perceived social acceptance, self-worth, impulse control, or perceived classroom climate. Our study reveals information on the prevalence of peer victimisation and its disclosure, based on a nationwide study conducted in 2016–2017. It gives important insights into factors associated with disclosing victimisation experiences.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Academic Stress and Perceived Classroom Climate in Spanish University Students.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several changes in society, especially in the educational context, where several learning methodologies and social interactions have been modified significantly. This fact could have had a negative impact on academic stress levels of students and the classroom climate, especially in the university context. The main aim of the present study was to identify changes in academic stress and the perceived classroom climate caused by COVID-19 in a sample of Spanish university students. Academic stress was evaluated trough the Stressor Academic Scale (SAS) and perceived classroom climate employing the Perceived Classroom Responsibility Climate (PCRC) questionnaire. A longitudinal study was conducted. 135 students (97 females and 38 males) from the Gastronomy (n = 31) and Criminology (n = 104) degrees were evaluated before and after the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. Academic stress levels and perceived classroom climate were analyzed before (Time 1) and after (Time 2) the lockdown declaration. An increase in academic stress was found, especially in the categories regarding Teachers’ Methodological Deficiencies, Academic Over-Burden and Beliefs About Performances. Females and final year students suffered higher levels of academic stress. No differences were found between Time 1 and 2 in perceived classroom climate. The obtained results point out a significant increase of academic stress in university students due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. The implemented educational changes and the uncertainty that resulted from the pandemic could have a significant negative impact on mental health in this population, resulting in higher levels of academic stress, especially in females and final year students. Future studies should analyze the strategies that students are employing to cope with these educational challenges and intervention strategies to promote them in the context of higher education.

Nursing students' classroom climate perceptions: A longitudinal study

BackgroundAs a versatile and dynamic process, classroom climate directly affects the learning levels of students and their quality of life while in school. ObjectivesThe study was conducted to explore and compare nursing students' perceptions of classroom climate throughout four years of university education and to evaluate the influencing factors. Design and settingsThe longitudinal study was conducted between 2017 and 2020 in the nursing department of a university in Turkey. ParticipantsThe study was carried out with 134 nursing students who enrolled in their first year and agreed to participate in the study. MethodsThe data were collected at the end of the fall semester of each of the four years using the Student Information Form and the Classroom Climate Inventory. ResultsThe mean score of students' perceptions of classroom climate was 2.88 ± 0.83 for all academic years. The classroom climate inventory mean scores of fourth-year students were statistically significantly higher than their scores in the first and third years (p = 0.000). The students' classroom climate levels were statistically significantly affected by the positive classroom communication among students in all academic years in a positive direction. Statistically significant effective factors in students' classroom climate perceptions by year were as follows: the sense of belongingness to the class in the second and third years (although significantly lower in the first year), socio-cultural activities organized at school the second and fourth years (p < 0.05), instructors' attitudes supporting classroom communication in the first year, and opportunities supporting communication in the school environment in the fourth year (p < 0.05). ConclusionsStudents' perception of the classroom climate was moderate overall and affected by positive classroom communication among students in all academic years. School administrators and educators can develop strategies and organize activities to increase positive communication in the classroom.

Student Perception of Classroom Climate Scale: Adaptation and Validation in Turkish

Classroom climate is a major contributor to student behavior and learning, and serves as an indicator of overall school performance. Currently, researchers examining classroom climate have a choice between two models of the Student Personal Perception of Classroom Climate (SPPCC) scale. International adoptationsof the SPPCC scale alternate between the four factor and the six factor dimensional. This research assesses the psychometric properties found in the SPPCC scale in a Turkish classroom context using the four factor model. Data analysis has been conducted on 3 different samples (425, 405, 502) from 12 different schools, whose students’ aged 10 to 15.

Civic mandates for the ‘majority’: The perception of whiteness and open classroom climate in predicting youth civic engagement

Informed by Critical Race Theory, this quantitative study supports civic educators in understanding the role of classroom climate and racial identity in students’ civic engagement during a statewide middle school civics mandate (n = 4707). Findings reveal that students of color experience higher civic engagement and lower civic attitude scores than white-identifying peers, after controlling for school, classroom, and affluence indicators. Students’ perception of whiteness (or perhaps majority status) appeared to correlate with positive civic knowledge and civic attitude, but relative civic inaction. These findings suggest differences in civic outcomes as early as middle school between white-identifying students and students of color. Such differences offer implications for civic education interventions that address not only effective instruction, but civic inequities, students’ perceived agency, and curricular content.