Supportive Classroom Environment Research Articles

Growth-Mindset Intervention Delivered by Teachers Boosts Achievement in Early Adolescence

School underachievement is a persistent problem in the United States. Direct-to-student, computer-delivered growth-mindset interventions have shown promise as a way to improve achievement for students at risk of failing in school; however, these interventions benefit only students who happen to be in classrooms that support growth-mindset beliefs. Here, we tested a teacher-delivered growth-mindset intervention for U.S. adolescents in Grades 6 and 7 that was designed to both impart growth-mindset beliefs and create a supportive classroom environment where those beliefs could flourish (N = 1,996 students, N = 50 teachers). The intervention improved the grades of struggling students in the target class by 0.27 standard deviations, or 2.81 grade percentage points. The effects were largest for students whose teachers endorsed fixed mindsets before the intervention. This large-scale, randomized controlled trial demonstrates that growth-mindset interventions can produce gains when delivered by teachers.

Motivational strategies and academic performance of learners in Ghanaian languages: The role of Akuapem twi basic school’s teachers in Abetifi Kwahu, Ghana

Background: Teacher motivational strategies has become an important issue in language research globally. Objective: The study sought to investigate whether statistically significant relationship exist between motivational strategies use by teachers and academic performance of learners in Akuapem Twi. Methodology: A descriptive correlational design used. A total 200 pupils was selected from the population of 402 pupils. Motivational strategies questionnaire and 2019 BECE performance data in Akuapem Twi subject were used. Analysis: The data was analysed using means, standard deviations and Pearson product-moment correlation test. Findings: It was found that learners need motivational strategies such as creating a supportive classroom environment, using a short and interesting opening activity to start class and familiarizing students with the cultural background of the Akuapem Twi language. It was further found that teaching motivational strategies correlated positively with pupils’ academic performance in Akuapem Twi. Conclusion: It was concluded that successful language learning is linked to the learners’ passion, therefore, teachers should find ways to connect to this passion using variety of motivational strategies. Recommendations: It was recommended that basic school teachers use short and interesting opening activity to start class lessons in order to attract and sustain learners’ interest in learning the Akuapem Twi language in Kwahu-Abetifi.

Incorporating creativity in science and mathematics teaching:

Although creativity constitutes part of 21st century skills, realizing a curriculum that emphasizes creativity in science and mathematics appears to be a challenge. In this study, we investigate how lower secondary science and mathematics teachers understand the concept of creativity, how it can be promoted, and what hinders creativity in schools. Eight teachers were involved in the study, and their views were investigated through group interviews. It was revealed that teachers adopt three perspectives pertaining to how creativity can be fostered in the classroom: the nature of tasks and how they are presented and organized, the need for background knowledge, and the requirement of a supportive classroom environment. A major concern for teachers was how creativity could form part of the assessment process, since assessment systems influence what occurs in the classroom. Further, school cultures that emphasize objectivity and documentability tend to result in teachers prioritizing convergent thinking and the reproduction of knowledge, preventing the inclusion of creativity in teaching. The core values and principles for learning stated in the new curriculum introduced in Norway in 2020 include that students should experience the joy of creating, engagement, and the urge to explore. The results indicate that assessment dilemmas are the main obstacles in the realization of these intentions.

Translanguaging to Persevere Is Key for Latinx Bilinguals' Mathematical Success

Recent reform efforts state the importance of providing students with opportunities to persevere with challenging mathematics to make meaning. We posit translanguaging practice as a vital option by which Latinx bilingual students can sustain collective perseverance during problem solving. In this paper, we employ a constant-comparative overlay analysis to simultaneously study the discursive translanguaging and perseverance practices of Latinx bilingual students and the corresponding classroom supports. We observed collaborative problem solving in two classrooms of 12th-grade Latinx bilinguals working to make sense of an exponential function and the involvement of the same monolingual English-speaking teacher. Working within similar, supportive classroom environments, we describe how one group of students spontaneously and dialogically leveraged communicative resources to help persevere with in-the-moment obstacles, while another group of students worked together across languages but did not engage in a translanguaging mathematical practice to persevere. We suggest that only establishing a classroom environment conducive for translanguaging and perseverance practice is insufficient and that teachers should not solely rely on students spontaneously engaging in these practices. To complement this environment, we recommend specific teacher moves and scaffolds that could help Latinx bilingual students initiate collaborative translanguaging and support their ongoing perseverance to make meaning of mathematics.

Developing a Culture of Caring in Classrooms: Best Practices During a Global Pandemic and Beyond

The past year has challenged educators in all directions, from switching courses to an online format overnight to addressing student needs within and outside the classroom, and many external factors have extensively affected student performance and engagement. In the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic and a myriad other sociopolitical movements highlight the need for faculty to go beyond educating and start building deeper connections with students. This article provides a rationale for providing an intentionally supportive classroom environment for public health students and outlines the benefits not only to the students but also to the faculty and institution. Furthermore, this article identifies necessary boundaries to caring, including setting appropriate limits and maintaining professional student–educator relationships. Creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment is important not only for training future health professionals but also for cultivating a culture of caring among the profession.

A Review of Teachers' Sentiments and Attitudes in Inclusive Education in China.

Students should receive appropriate and comprehensive educational opportunities regardless of their ethnicity, gender, and even probable disabilities or exceptionalities. For this purpose, governments and educational boards have agreed to investigate the concept of inclusive education as a new paradigm where students can benefit from materials and classroom environment whether they are ordinary students or students with special needs. Chinese educational government has also adopted inclusive education within its pedagogic program since the middle of the 1990s. In this regard, some well-known researchers highlighted the impact of teachers' attitudes, sentiments, and concerns in inclusive education as a driving force toward student support and rapport. Moreover, the cultural background has also been emphasized in studies of inclusive education. Hence, it is necessary to employ the proposed and standardized attitude, sentiment, and concern scales, as well as the translated version to measure the factors affecting the proper implementation of inclusive pedagogy. The present study was an attempt to review related studies on teachers' attitudes and sentiments, particularly in China. Findings suggest that cultural differences might not necessarily contribute to the successful implementation of inclusive programs; however, pre-service or in-service teachers have demonstrated that higher levels of sentiment (efficacy), as well as positive attitude, can lead to the efficient provision of materials and building a supportive classroom environment for ordinary students and more importantly student with special needs.

Comparing Students' Engagement in Classroom Education Between China and Germany.

Since the mid-1980s, there has been an academic shift toward students’ involvement in the learning process. A great number of studies have focused on the relationship between student engagement and educational achievement. They have highlighted that appropriate educational input and a supportive classroom environment are necessary, but optimum learning should occur when students are engaged with the curriculum as well as the institution, particularly in higher education institutions. Many scholars claimed that higher levels of engagement will help students deal with academic anxiety and develop a sense of belonging, which may lead to higher academic success. Educational experts and policymakers have begun to propose nationwide and international strategies and programs to promote student engagement in the classroom, which has led to the proposal of well-known programs such as the National Survey of Student Engagement, the UK Engagement Survey, and Program for International Student Assessment. Such engagement-centered international measures have been used across the globe (e.g., Germany) and translated into different languages (e.g., Chinese). Although the findings of relevant studies confirm the effectiveness of engagement on learning achievement, there is still the need to conduct further (cross-sectional) studies considering the implementation of such programs in a different context. The present study is an attempt to review the related literature regarding student engagement among Chinese and German students across a variety of disciplines. The findings suggest that researchers should devote more time and budget to investigate the significance of learner engagement, especially in Germany and China.

Student perspectives on a state-wide relationships and sexual health programme in South Australian schools, 2006–2017

ABSTRACT Relationships and sexual health education is an accepted part of the school curriculum to support adolescent development. In recent years, the nature of this education has expanded to include topics encompassing a social model of health (e.g. with a focus on gender roles). There has, however, been limited exploration of student views about the inclusion of these topics. This paper presents student feedback on South Australia’s Relationships and Sexual Health Programme, a state-wide curriculum produced by the state’s major sexual and reproductive health organisation. The findings are drawn from an annual survey conducted from 2006 to 2017, involving 29,533 secondary school students aged 12–16 years. Regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between the year the survey was conducted and student ratings of the programme (‘good/excellent’ vs ‘poor/satisfactory’) and, separately, the individual topics students’ considered most important. There was a positive association between survey year and rating the programme as ‘good/excellent’ with regard to providing a ‘safe and supportive classroom environment’, and a small negative association between survey year and ‘overall rating’ as ‘good/excellent’. Over time, there was an increase in the number of students selecting the topic ‘consent’ as the most important. These findings demonstrate student support for the inclusion of a range of social health topics in relationships and sexual health education.

An Anecdotal Case Study in Psychological Anthropology of Two Retired Middle School Teachers’ Perceptions of Classroom Life in the United States

In this qualitative study, interviews of two former middle school teachers were conducted and analyzed for how they fostered a supportive classroom environment in the United States despite the national stress of the Vietnam War during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Half a century later in 2020-2021, similar trends seem to remain just as important in society though the context has shifted. Implications for social-emotional learning from then and now are discussed. Each of the two participants in this study established centralized control through slightly different means and both used written guidelines and rules while emphasizing prosocial behaviors. Three themes emerged: 1) a syllabus was important in management style, 2) sports, and 3) the national social context—such as the Vietnam War—manifested itself in the discourse of the social environment to affect classroom life. Implications for the socio-spatial context of school architectural layout are explored.

Creating a Supportive Classroom Environment Through Effective Feedback: Effects on Students’ School Identification and Behavioral Engagement

Previous research revealed the connection between students’ behavioral and emotional engagement and a supportive classroom environment. One of the primary tools teachers have to create a supportive classroom environment is effective feedback. In this study, we assessed the supportive classroom environment using the perception shared by all students from the same classroom of teachers’ use of effective feedback. We aimed to explore the effect of such an environment on students’ behavioral engagement and school identification. Using a probabilistic sample of 1,188 students from 75 classrooms across 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th grades, we employed multilevel regression modeling with random intercept and fixed slopes. We explored the effects of both individual perceptions of teachers’ use of effective feedback and the supportive classroom environment on student engagement. The analyses identified that students who perceived that their teachers use more effective feedback had a higher level of behavioral engagement and school identification. Once we controlled the effects of these individual perceptions of teachers’ effective feedback, we still observed the effect of a supportive classroom environment on student engagement. So, in classrooms where teachers used more effective feedback creating a supportive classroom environment, students had higher school identification and behavioral engagement levels, regardless of their individual perceptions of teachers’ feedback. The association between variables remained significant even after controlling students’ characteristics (gender, nationality, mother’s level of education, history of grade retention) and classroom characteristics (grade level, type of school, number of students at grade level). Our findings support the potential of teachers’ feedback practices to foster students’ school identification and behavioral engagement to build a more inclusive school environment and value students’ diversity.

The Application of Solo Taxonomy in Writing Module Based on Self and Peer Assessment for Primary Level in Malaysia: A Pilot Study

Students need to know their current levels of thinking and how to progress to the next level by self-assess themselves. Otherwise, they would constantly demand teachers to spoon-feed them to achieve a specific level. This is due to the students’ failure to master the lower order thinking skills level that hinder them from making systematic and strategic progress in their learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate a feedback of writing module based on SOLO taxonomy which apply self and peer assessment in their construction of writing development. To test the reliability of the module, a pilot study for the implementation of the module was conducted with the help of the English Language teacher who teach the remedial class in the selected school. The purpose of this pilot study is for ensuring the suitability of the module in terms of time allocation, clarity of instruction, suitability distribution of sub modules and organized activities. A total of 30 Year 5 low achiever learners (LAL) in a primary school have been selected for the pilot study. A set of questionnaires with five constructs consisting of 20 items has been distributed and the means score showed significant accuracy. The item verification process based on the agreement of seven experts using the Content Validity Index (CVI) approach received experts (n=7) consensus reliability value (?) = 0.92. The results indicated that the LAL can adapt the self and peer assessment approach based on SOLO taxonomy in a short time and proves that the self- peer assessment process can be taught to the low achiever primary level if supported by opportunities to practice it regularly in an organized and supportive classroom environment.

The Implementation of Supportive Classroom Environment in VII-Grade Mathematics Learning

Mathematics is seen by some students as a subject which is not easy to learn. Thus, they need someone who can make mathematics easy, in this point, a teacher. Teachers as instructor are needed to be more innovative in developing instruction that can encourage students to get an ideal learning experience. Not just regarding approaches, teaching materials, and strategies, yet additionally needs to focus on the learning environment which promotes the learning process. One of the framework that offers learning which takes into a supportive learning environment is the Productive Pedagogies Framework. The purpose of this study is to look at the implementation of learning that utilized the Supportive Classroom Environment dimension of the Productive Pedagogies Framework. This study used qualitative method. There were 33 grade VII students (boys and girls) on average age of 13 years old from one of the Junior High Schools in Bandung participated in this study. The research findings revealed that (1) implementing Supportive Classroom Environment can further encourage students in upper group to achieve more optimal learning outcomes; (2) This learning can be said to encourage middle group students to get optimal learning outcomes; (3) This learning has not been able to encourage students in lower group. We concluded that implementing Supportive Classroom Environment can further encourage students in upper and middle groups.

Lesson Study: A Tool for an Improved Instructional Design in Teaching Integration by Parts

This study aimed to develop instructional design in teaching the Integration by Parts in Calculus. By engaging in a Lesson Study, the researchers underwent careful planning of the design, executed it through a research lesson, noted key observations during the delivery of the lesson, and conducted a post-lesson conference. From the observations and insights during the post-conference, two themes emerged from where recommendations were drawn. The first theme pivoted on the propensity of teaching Integration by Parts as highly procedural and mechanical despite attempts at activating students’ higher-order thinking. However, the extent to which the tabular method could be advantageous should be explained to the students to clarify misconceptions about using it as a shortcut in performing Integration by Parts. The second theme revolved around how supportive classroom environment and the use of Tabular Method made the students more engaged. Nevertheless, providing learning experiences where students can be work on higher-order thinking and where they can process results of their collaboration was recommended to be incorporated in the instructional design. Generally, both Tabular and Conventional Methods play a crucial role in developing students’ mastery of this integration technique and may eventually allow them to make connections to the real world

Bend It Like Beckham? Using Cognitive Science To Inform Online Legal Research and Writing Pedagogy During The Pandemic

This article will be published in a forthcoming volume of the Nova Law Review devoted to an online symposium it sponsored on February 26, 2021 entitled "Engaging LRW Students In The ‘New Normal’ – Teaching In The Time Of COVID." The article discusses strategies for adapting legal research and writing lessons developed for the classroom to online videoconferencing platforms like Zoom in response to the shift to online legal education in Spring 2020 as a result of the COVID crisis. Also addressed in this article is an oft overlooked topic in the literature about online legal education regarding issues to consider in selecting tech equipment for our desktop classrooms that may enhance our effectiveness as online teachers. With respect to online legal research and writing pedagogy, this article suggests an approach informed by principles of cognitive science to make use of online videoconferencing tools in ways that actively engage students, that strive to make our teaching as multimodal as possible given the constraints of these platforms, and that remind us of the importance of establishing a supportive classroom environment given the stress that students have faced as a result of the pandemic. This article also incorporates the results of several studies in a small but growing body of empirical research that has examined the effectiveness of remote online teaching during the pandemic in the context of undergraduate and non-law school graduate degree programs. As a result, this article provides a good snapshot of what researchers have concluded works, and doesn’t work, with respect to teaching via a videoconferencing platform like Zoom in a time of COVID.

Farm simulation platforms increase undergraduate skills and confidence in decision‐support technologies

AbstractAs agriculture increasingly moves into a digital realm, it is important for future professionals to gain experience with predictive and computer‐based technologies. Farm simulation platforms can be efficient tools for crop management and natural resources courses, yet limited research has demonstrated their efficacy in undergraduate education. We implemented a module utilizing a farm simulation platform in a high enrollment undergraduate crop management course. The module included asynchronous video content and four synchronous course periods with activities related to crop planting dates, water cycling with different crop rotations, fertilizer impacts on yield and environment, as well as a competition activity to optimize profit with different management considerations. In our assessments, we found that students increased knowledge and confidence in how to use the software, awareness of related simulation platforms, how to make data‐driven crop management decisions as well as how to develop and test hypotheses. Students reported learning a range of skills, including how to utilize the software to understanding the impact of crop management on yield, and specifically noted that these skills would be beneficial for future careers in farming, consulting, business, or policy. Additionally, students reported challenges such as difficulties with data interpretation and software use. For successful implementation of similar modules, we recommend providing students with a step‐by‐step activity manual, ensuring adequate teaching team support, and developing a supportive classroom environment. Our results demonstrate that farm simulation platforms can be successfully implemented into undergraduate courses to support students in navigating technologies beneficial for future careers.

Coming to Appreciate Diversity: Ontological Change Through Student–Student Relationships

This article, developed from a phenomenological case study of a graduate seminar, presents the development of student–student relationships over the course of a semester and the ways in which they were part of a transformative learning (TL) experience. Often neglected in studies of adult learners, such relationships are revealed to be of critical importance to fostering TL —not to diminish teacher–student relationships but to augment them. Participant diversity included gender, age, race, religion, and field of study. Findings include the student experiences of being “all together” in a collegial and supportive classroom environment and how their relationships developed over time. Superficial comparisons between students, as the course progressed, gave way to intimate explorations of content and changes in disposition. Interpretation of the findings is guided by existential phenomenology and TL theory. Implications for instructors include adapting a phenomenological approach to teaching that brings students together through emotional engagement.

Quality University Education Through Conducive Classroom Learning Environment

Quality university education is the central aspiration of universities in the 21st century where different dimensions are explore as starting point including classroom learning environment. This classroom learning environment can boost or hinder students’ learning which covers the physical and psychological dimension shaving significant effects on classroom teaching learning process at university level. Promoting quality education therefore needs; supportive classroom environment, students’ confidence building, provision of learning facilities, its utilization, self-developed code of conduct and sense of responsibility among the stakeholders. This study explored students and teachers views about quality education through conducive’ classroom learning environment at university level following explanatory research design with a questionnaire and interview tools. The findings revealed that teachers took the learning responsibilities of students, impose external code of conduct for classroom business, rare utilization of classroom learning resources and scarcity of some important instructional materials for teaching in classroom. Therefore, it was recommended, that teachers may accept students’ potential, trust in them, respect their view point by engineering critical and creative thinking through authentic instructional approach.

Integrating Students with Specific Learning Differences in the EFL Classroom

Within the EFL context, teachers’ awareness of inclusive methods undoubtedly contributes to ensuring the successful integration of students with specific learning differences (SpLD). While several studies have examined special needs students’ EFL learning problems, the topic of mainstream language teachers’ awareness and implementation of the possible methods that are recommended for use with SpLD learners has not been thoroughly examined. The aim of this study is to start filling this gap by exploring teachers’ awareness of the possible approaches to teaching special needs students in mainstream primary schools and the application of special needs techniques and principles in their daily language teaching practice. A small-scale qualitative study was carried out using lesson observations and interviews as instruments for data collection. An inductive approach was utilized for data analysis. The findings show how the participating teachers integrate students with special needs in their regular EFL classes. In all observed lessons the teachers provided a supportive classroom environment, used multisensory language approaches, but rarely utilized any differentiated classroom instruction. Pedagogical implications include that primary school teachers should be aware of methods and practices that can be successful in integrating students with learning differences in regular EFL classes.

Investigating Swedish Preschool Teachers\u2019 Intentions Involved in Grouping Practices

This study aims to explore profiles of preschool teachers’ intentions when they divide the children into subgroups. Interactionist perspectives, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, and a pedagogical perspective on preschool quality provide the foundation for the study’s theoretical framework. By applying a person-centered analytical procedure, the study analyzes preschool teachers’ considerations of a set of intentional indicators involved in grouping practices related to conditions for supportive classroom environment, opportunities for children’s play and interactions, and preschool teachers’ direct involvement in children’s learning. The sample consists of 698 preschool teachers from preschools in 46 municipalities in Sweden. Two intentional profiles were identified: a relational profile and an organizational profile. The patterns of play and learning opportunities, increasing communication and interaction, and opportunities for children to share their experiences and interests were the most distinctive patterns across the two profiles. Preschool teachers’ consideration of grouping practices as appropriate for working with a specific learning goal was equally emphasized in both profiles. These findings provide insight into preschool teachers’ pedagogical approaches and yield implications for the design of continuing professional development models for preschool teachers.

Evaluation of a Violence-Prevention Programme with Jamaican Primary School Teachers: A Cluster Randomised Trial.

This study investigated the effect of a school-based violence prevention programme implemented in Grade 1 classrooms in Jamaican primary schools. Fourteen primary schools were randomly assigned to receive training in classroom behaviour management (n = 7 schools, 27 teachers/classrooms) or to a control group (n = 7 schools, 28 teachers/classrooms). Four children from each class were randomly selected to participate in the evaluation (n = 220 children). Teachers were trained through a combination of workshop and in-class support sessions, and received a mean of 11.5 h of training (range = 3–20) over 8 months. The primary outcomes were observations of (1) teachers’ use of violence against children and (2) class-wide child aggression. Teachers in intervention schools used significantly less violence against children (effect size (ES) = −0.73); benefits to class-wide child aggression were not significant (ES = −0.20). Intervention teachers also provided a more emotionally supportive classroom environment (ES = 1.22). No benefits were found to class-wide prosocial behaviour, teacher wellbeing, or child mental health. The intervention benefited children’s early learning skills, especially oral language and self-regulation skills (ES = 0.25), although no benefits were found to achievement in maths calculation, reading and spelling. A relatively brief teacher-training programme reduced violence against children by teachers and increased the quality of the classroom environment.