Student and Faculty Perceptions of an Effective University Instructional Climate

Abstract

This study sought to ascertain perceptions of an effective instructional climate through use of a seventy-one item questionnaire. Usable responses were received from 1,237 students and 268 faculty members. Statistical analysis yielded a list of forty “significant” attributes grouped into seven clusters. Factor loading values were derived for the attributes to facilitate utilization in describing and assessing instructional climate. Students and faculty agreed generally on a global concept of instructional climate and as to the “significance” of many individual attributes. Greater “significance” was attached to instructors and their teaching role than to students and their learning role. Practical uses of the results are suggested.     

The Hyde Perk Guild,Chicago

Utilizing “teachable moments” within daily situations to impart knowledge and transmit values is a type of informal education. In a structured camp environment, such teachable moments may be integrated into the educational curriculum. “Jewish teachable moments” may be used to address Judaism and Jewish Peoplehood holistically, as the educators and counselors guide the campers through the Jewish summer camp environment. This article examines the Jewish Teachable Moments method through a case study conducted at a Reform movement affiliated camp in Texas. Theoretical and pedagogical implications of the Jewish Teachable Moments method are discussed.     

A comparison of teacher referral and pupil self-referral measures relative to perceived school adjustment

This study investigated the relationship between teacher referral and pupil self-referral relative to perceived school adjustment of 417 4th grade pupils. Two major questions were focused upon: (a) To what extent do teachers and pupils agree relative to perceived learning and/or adjustment problems within the classroom? and (b) What are the relationships between teacher referral and pupil self-referral relative to sex of the child and type of problem indicated? The results suggest that a significant relationship exists between teacher referral and pupil self-referral (p <,001). Further, a disproportionate number of males in the sample were referred by their teachers as compared to female students (38% to 12%). However, relative to pupil self-referral, a much higher percentage of females (33%) “referred themselves.” It is suggested that greater consideration should be given by local school districts to including a pupil self-referral component within their overall screening mechanism for the identification of children in need of special education services. Further, school personnel should consider the possibility that their screening results may reflect teacher bias relative to “pupil sex stereotyping” in that males may be over-referred and famales under-referred.     

Exploring pupil participation within a sustainable school

This research aimed to explore the factors having an effect on enhanced active pupil participation in the context of the sustainable school. The research was applied during a school year to a primary school in Lavrion (Greece), with the participation of two teachers and pupils from two classes of the upper two grades. Action Research was the method selected to organise the research conducted in the framework of a school programme focusing on sustainable waste management. It involved activities both at school and within the local community. An analysis of research results showed that specific perceptions of both pupils and teachers, some of the features of the learning processes adopted, and the current school culture were the determining factors, either facilitating, or inhibiting active pupil participation. The action research enabled teachers not only to identify factors inhibiting active pupil participation, but also to intervene to manage them.     

Teacher discourse on lesbian,gay and bisexual pupils in Scottish schools

This paper reports on a study which surveyed and interviewed teachers on their perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to the inclusion of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) pupils in school. The outcomes indicated that there was a silencing of diverse sexualities in schools. In theory, teachers had adopted an individual liberal humanitarian stance of “we treat all pupils alike”. In practice this had resulted in confusion regarding how to respond to the needs of LGB pupils and a silence on (homo) sexuality. This paper further discusses the implications of the outcomes of this study for the implementation of the government equality agenda in schools in relation to sexual orientation.     

On the concept “chemical equilibrium”: The associative framework

Word associations were used to map the conception of high school students concerning the concepts “chemical equilibrium” and “equilibrium.” It was found that the preconception of the two concepts was differentiated on noncritical dimensions; “equilibrium” being associated with everyday life experiences and “chemical equilibrium” with general chemical concepts. After studying the subject of chemical equilibrium at school the two concepts merged towards one, i.e., becoming synonymous. This can provide an explanation for misconceptions associated with chemical equilibrium via the transfer of static attributes from “equilibrium” to the dynamic “chemical equilibrium”.     

Counterfactual thinking and educational psychology

Counterfactual thinking refers to imaginative thoughts about what might have been (“if only” or “what if”) which are intrinsically linked to self-conscious emotions (regret and guilt) and social judgements (blame). Research in adults suggests that the focus of these thoughts is influenced by order (temporal and causal). Little research has involved children regarding the impact of such thinking on their well-being and learning. This study tests the hypothesis that children will demonstrate order effects. One hundred and twenty-one children answered questions about school-based scenarios and a series of interviews was carried out with pupils and teachers. Order effects were observed but there was some variety in the responses to the questions involving self-conscious emotions and social judgements. Thematic analysis of the interview data indicated that children thought of order but also created their own individual stories, whereas teachers had negative perceptions of how pupils thought about events. Implications for educational psychology practice are considered.     

Current realities in the student teaching experience: A preliminary inquiry

The experiences of 22 student teachers completing a final 10-week teaching practice in secondary schools were obtained by ethnographic interviewing. Their developing sense of “belonging” to the teaching community in their schools was the dominant theme. Recognition by teachers as a colleague and confirmation of teacher status by pupils were major dimensions of this feeling. On the basis of the student narratives, the teaching practice acts most powerfully as an initiation into “teacherhood”, focused particularly on the classroom and the subject department. The sympathetic and supportive environment of colleagues was especially important in meeting the mentoring needs of the student teachers. It was concluded that initial professional education needs to take more account of the dominant emotional needs of students.     

“The norm is a flux of change”: teachers’ experiences in international schools

This article explores teachers’ perceptions of the effects of high student turnover in international schools in the UK. The research used a “grounded theory” approach for qualitative data collection and analysis, based on interviews with eight teachers in four international primary schools. The results of the grounded theory suggest that a process of “systemic containment” develops which helps the whole class, including newcomer pupils and their teachers, to cope with the frequent transitions. The discussion emphasises the role of the educational psychologist in encouraging teachers to become more informed and reflexive about inclusion of newcomers from abroad.     

Developing mainstream resource provision for pupils with autism spectrum disorder: parent and pupil perceptions

The diverse needs of pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have led to a continuum of educational provision being promoted in many countries, and which is often developed at a local level. The majority of children and young people with ASD in the UK attend mainstream schools, and resourced mainstream schools are increasingly part of this continuum of provision. These schools offer additional environmental modifications and adult support over and above that normally provided by mainstream schools. How parents and pupils perceive such provisions has not previously been investigated. The current study was designed to explore the perceptions of parents and pupils in five primary and three secondary resource provision schools in one Local Authority during the pupils’ first year at the provisions. A series of interviews took place with 16 parents and 9 pupils during this initial year. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecosystemic theory was used to conceptualise and organise the complex interactions between home, local education systems, school systems and sub-systems, and their impact on pupil outcomes over time. Findings and implications are discussed in relation to theory and practice.     

Professional attitudes to the use of pupil performance data in English secondary schools

This paper presents findings from an exploratory survey of teachers' perceptions, understanding, and use of pupil performance data in English secondary schools and examines the extent to which these are associated with school-level performance and a range of factors, including teachers' positions of responsibility. The survey was supplemented by a series of in-depth interviews. Use and availability of pupil performance data was found to be widespread, but classroom teachers reported significantly lower levels of use and understanding. The research also reveals a data-use hierarchy in schools, with many indicating that some data are accessible only to school leaders or provided pre-interpreted. Most teachers make regular use of their own sources of pupil data, which is seen as at least as useful as “official” data, which poses challenges for policymakers in raising levels of use and creating a “mixed economy” of sources.     

The Paradox of Inform@tion Technology in Primary Schools: E‐learning is new but gender patterns are old!

This paper seeks to explore the impact of IT on school and teacher cultures. It reports on Swedish teachers' use of IT in different school subjects by means of a case study comprising one school, four teachers (2 men and 2 women), and their pupils aged 9–12. The methods of data collection used were interviews and observations. The aim of the study was to investigate how the teachers experience IT as a “solution” and/or “frustration” in developing their professional knowledge and in providing new learning situations for pupils. The case study suggests that, at least in this school, IT is experienced as a creative and helpful tool, which enhances teaching and learning even if the transformation of IT pedagogies demands much effort and time from the teachers. However, the women have found it more difficult than the men to incorporate information technology into their practice. Thus, two themes have emerged from the case study: IT as a valuable tool for changing the form and content of teaching and learning, and IT as strongly gendered, that is, having male attributes.     

Relative Efficiency of Several Methods of Direct Observation

The relative efficiency of several observational sampling plans for assessing classroom behavior in an individualized classroom was investigated. A criterion measure was obtained by cumulating all of the recorded activity measurements on a class of thirty-three pupils over twenty class periods. Various designs were built through sampling the “pool” of activity measurements on the following dimensions: 1.) the length of the observation period; 2.) the time interval between recordings; 3.) the number of days (replications) of observing; and, 4.) the number of pupils observed each day. The combinations or designs that evolved from manipulating these four variables were then compared to the criterion measure, thus permitting an examination of the relative offerings of the different sampling plans.     

EXAMINATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD PRACTITIONERS’ GENERAL PERCEPTION OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN YOUNG CHILDREN

This study attempts to explore and discuss preschool teachers’ perception of gender differences in young children through their verbal expression. The teachers (Study I, n —121, Study II, n= 31) in this study perceive female preschoolers as positive and sensitive learners. While many learner qualities such as inventive, problem‐solver, builder, hands‐on, questioning, etc. are identified more often for boys than girls, overall the teachers’ perception of the boys’ group is less “teachable” and “easy to work with” than the girls group. In addition, one of the most intriguing and concerning observations is that girls are perceived as “passive learners” and therefore they are more “teachable” than boys. As implications of the study, the paper discusses an important understanding of gender‐fair and gender‐congruent pedagogical awareness for developmentally and culturally appropriate practice in early childhood education.

This study was originally presented at the 1999 AERA Annual Meeting, April 19‐23, Montreal, Canada, and was titled Examination of Preschool Teachers’ Biased Perception on Gender Difference.     

Word Score: A serious vocabulary game for primary school underachievers

This paper describes a study of “Word Score”, a serious game designed to extend the vocabulary of pupils in upper primary school in the Netherlands. Word Score was used in one school community as part of the national project “Educational Time Extension” (ETE). In ETE class time is extended beyond normal school hours with the aim of improving the learning outcomes of under-performing pupils. The study showed that the use of Word Score can be effective during ETE. The vocabulary of the pupils who played the game outside the regular class time significantly increased. The experiences of both pupils and teachers were very positive. The pupils liked playing Word Score and the teachers were very enthusiastic about the game and the pupils’ results.     

A comparison of high-ability pupils’ views vs. regular ability pupils’ views of characteristics of good primary school teachers

High-ability pupils in primary schools often do not achieve up to their full potential and teachers seem to face difficulties to motivate these pupils. In this study 891 primary school pupils (463 high-ability pupils) were asked about their views on desired characteristics of good teachers by means of an open teacher-spider-questionnaire. The characteristics reported, were analysed using the three “basic needs” from the Self-Determination Theory. The answers of high-ability pupils were compared to answers of pupils from regular primary education. For both groups, teaching characteristics fostering relatedness, followed by competence, were mentioned most. It was autonomy which was mentioned less frequently by both groups. The answers of the two groups of pupils mostly corresponded, although some differences emerged in specific subcategories. High-ability pupils more frequently mentioned characteristics attuning to their needs (understanding) and encouragement (challenge), and mentioned “providing choice” less often. There were also some differences found between characteristics mentioned by (high-ability) boys and girls.     

Generic pronoun use and perceived speaker credibility

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of various alternatives for generic pronoun usage on judgments of speaker credibility. The effects of pronoun usage were examined in interaction with the sex of speaker, sex of listener, and the sex‐typicality of speech topics. Four dimensions of speaker credibility were investigated: composure, dynamism, sociability, and competence. In terms of generic pronoun usage, the results of this study indicate that using “she” can negatively affect perceptions of social attractiveness for all speakers and, in particular, affect a male speaker's perceived competence. The generic “they,” however, did not hinder perceived credibility in any way and, in fact, for females enhanced listeners’ perceptions of their competence. In general, results of this study suggest that if a communicator wishes to use a nontraditional generic pronoun, especially “they,” to express a commitment to greater equity between the sexes, then their credibility will not be significantly diminished.     

Comparison of teacher and pupil perceptions of the learning environment in mathematics classes

Comparisons were made between teacher and pupil perceptions of eight facets of the mathematics classroom environment: difficulty, speed, inquiry, diversity, satisfaction, competitiveness, formality, and goal-direction. Questionnaires measuring classroom environment were administered in 60 junior high school mathematics classes to 1338 pupils and their teachers. Teacher perceptions tended to differ from pupil perceptions although not always in the hypothesized direction. Teacher gender and pupil sex ratio were somewhat related to teacher-pupil differences, while grade level and ability level were less consistently associated with differences.This is an extended version of a paper presented at the 13th International Conference of the Psychology of Mathematics Education held in Paris, France, 9–13 July 1989.     

Twelfth-grade biology pupils' opinions on interventions of man in nature: Agreement,indifference and ambivalence

The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of ambivalence of the attitudes of twelfth-grade biology pupils in Israel towards interventions of man in nature. A questionnaire was designed in which the pupils were confronted with arguments of different levels of potential relevance (personal, global, and philosophical), three against and three in favor of each of eight “interventions of man in natural processes.” The pupil was requested (a) to rate each argument independently and (b) to “vote,” as if in a public committee, for or against each technology. The degree of ambivalence–-measured, for each item, by means of Kaplan's (1972) semantic differential half scales–-was the degree to which the pupils agreed to both positive and negative arguments. Although clear majorities of pupils voted in favor of all the “interventions,” three main patterns of responses were found: general agreement, indifference, and ambivalence. These patterns were characterized in terms of (a) the mean ratings of the arguments, (b) the differences between mean positive and negative “personal” ratings, (c) the percentages of favorable votes, and (d) the degrees of ambivalence. It was shown that pupils were able to appreciate arguments against a certain technology even in cases of strong personal feelings in favor of the technology (high ambivalence). The development of such an ability may be one of the main objectives of science education in a STS context.