A positive classroom is more conducive to learning than a negative one. Since the teacher creates the classroom climate, it is important for him or her to follow certain didactic guidelines for creating the right climate. This study investigated the implementation of specific didactic guidelines for creating a climate the most conducive to learning. Kruger and Van Schalkwyk (1992:104) are of the opinion that if a classroom climate is hearty, warm and appealing, everybody is relaxed, and experiences the togetherness as pleasant. Such a setting offers each individual the opportunity for being his or her true self, and the teacher as well as the students are willing to open up and become involved. Should the classroom climate be stiff, cold and clinical, however, the participants become tense, stiff, and introverted. They become unwilling to reveal themselves to one another. The study was aimed at answering specific problem questions, namely: • What does a positive classroom climate entail? • Which didactic measures ensure a positive climate? • What is the current classroom climate at secondary schools? • Which methods and techniques can be implemented to create a positive climate? • Which didactic guidelines can be presented to teachers for optimising the classroom climate? The first two questions were investigated by means of a literature study. Certain findings led to the answers to the problem questions. The third question was answered through an empirical study aimed at determining the climate of a specific secondary school. The study revealed that the students in general experienced the climate as positive. Two control variables, namely gender and language, however, showed slight differences of opinion. Although the results showed no practical statistical significance, a difference was noted between the opinions of girls and boys, as well as between Afrikaans speaking students and students speaking African languages. The questionnaires the teachers completed, were based on the same guidelines for creating classroom climate as were found in the literature study. In chapter 5 various recommendations for further research in this field, relevant to South Africa in particular, were made since it is believed that the school situation here is unique. Further research can offer solutions to persistent problems. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2000

This study is scientifically aimed at the problematic question of the present situation regarding the climate in the Bible Education classroom in secondary schools. A possible cause of the problems experienced with Bible Education and the negative view prevalent with regard to the subject, can be ascribed to the prevailing climate in the Bible Education classroom in the secondary school. An empirical study was conducted by means of a structured questionnaire distributed to the Bible Education teachers and a stratified sample of ten pupils per class at four Afrikaanse secondary schools. The four schools were chosen at random and served as test sample. According to the answers of the respondents, it became clear that the present classroom climate puts a very high premium on rules and control in the classroom. Therefore it would appear as if a lot of work needs to be done concerning the mutual relationship between teacher and pupil for the effective improvement of the climate in the classroom. / Skripsie (MEd (Didaktiese Opvoedkunde))--PU vir CHO, 1995

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between sixth grade students' academic achievement levels in math and their perceptions of school climate. Student characteristics of socioeconomic status and gender were used to identify groups for the purpose of data analysis. Data was gathered using the five independent variables of the My Class Inventory (satisfaction, friction, competitiveness, difficulty, and cohesiveness) and the dependent variable of the Stanford Achievement Total Math scores. The results of the data collection were tested using a Pearson product-moment analysis and a backward multiple regression analysis. A univariate analysis of variance was also used to compare the five independent variables of the My Class Inventory as well as to compare socioeconomic status and gender with the Stanford Achievement Total Math scores. The schools selected for this study were from a city in Texas with a population of approximately 100,000. The sample consisted of 262 sixth grade mathematics students. The findings of this study are as follows: (a) The Pearson product-moment correlation analysis revealed little, if any, correlation for any of the five subscale predictor variables; (b) the multiple regression analysis revealed that all five classroom climate indicators combined together could explain only 10.5% of the variance in mathematics achievement; (c) the univariate analysis of variance revealed that there is a significant relationship between the climate factors of friction and difficulty when compared to mathematics achievement; and (d) the univariate analysis of variance also revealed that mathematics achievement scores vary significantly as a function of economic category membership, but there appears to be no relationship to gender.

ANNOTATION: The aim of this dissertation is to determine whether innovative teaching methods may positively influence the quality of social relationships and whether they may contribute towards better communication and collaborative behaviour amongst pupils. The goal of the given approach is to develop positive group dynamics and create inspiring environment for the application of modern teaching methods. The theoretical part centres on the origins of innovative teaching methods that were largely motivated by the evolving conception of child's personality. This section describes some of the key alternative schools and programmes that gave rise to the aforementioned innovative teaching methods. The goal of the theoretical section is to clearly define the concept of innovative teaching methods with emphasis on those that contribute towards the formation of a positive classroom climate. The theoretical part then conceptualises innovation in teaching and explains the role of the teacher. The personality of a 10-year old and the attributes defining this developmental stage are also explored. The research part describes the implementation of given innovative methods in teaching fourth-grade pupils. The aim of the research was to find whether the implementation of given teaching methods may induce positive changes...

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the difference in pro-social behavior, self-regulation, overall reading performance, Lexile levels, and teachers’ perception of classroom climate of kindergarten students who received the Ready to Learn (RTL; Brigman, Lane, & Lane, 2008) classroom guidance program (treatment group: n = 173) and kindergarten students who did not receive the intervention (comparison group: n = 124). The study followed a quasi-experimental, comparison group design in which teachers completed the Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) and Teacher My Class Inventory-Short Form (TMCI-SF) measures as well as collected reading data from individual students. Descriptive statistics for each of the measures, the findings from the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on the CBRS and TMCI-SF data, along with the multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) using the i-Ready data, and partial eta squared (ηp2) effect sizes were calculated. The ANCOVA was conducted to determine if differences existed on the participants’ pro-social behavior and self-regulation by condition. The findings revealed a statistically significant difference on the pro-social skills but did not show a statistically significant difference in self-regulation. The MANCOVA revealed statistically significant differences in overall reading performance between the treatment and comparison group; however, did not reveal statistically significant differences on the Lexile levels for the students who participated in the intervention. Finally, the ANCOVA reported a statistically significant difference in the perceived impact of the school counselor by the treatment group kindergarten as compared to the teachers in the comparison group; however, no other differences were found on the TMCI-SF scales. With these results, there is a need for further empirical research to determine the impact of the RTL program on students’ academic and SEL development. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

This is a qualitative, descriptive study of group processes in classes of adult language learners, viewed from the perspective of practising teachers. The study has an internal narrative which takes the reader through the process of the research, from the initial question raised by a casual classroom conversation to the discussion chapter which questions a number of assumptions underlying current English language teaching practices within western educational contexts. The study falls into two distinct phases. The first phase uses the constant comparative method of data collection and analysis to integrate the perceptions of 28 experienced language teachers into the following theory: teachers judge the quality of their classes in terms of the degree to which they function as cohesive groups. The second phase uses the social-psychological framework of class cohesion to explore the perceptions of eight language teachers concerning a range of everyday behaviours and events occurring within their classes. The data were gathered through classroom observations and extended weekly teacher interviews and were supplemented by information from student interviews.

This study focuses on oral communication in the classroom involving discussion and dialogue amongst pupils, but also between teacher and pupil. The overall aim is to study the choices regarding the group composition and working methods that might occur in four individual teachers’ lessons plans with the intention of increasing the pupils’ knowledge through oral communication. The main focus is to explore what the teachers think of the choices they make and how they believe these changes affect the pupils. It is also focused on how the teachers perceive their pupils’ learning is improved by oral communication and how they incorporate all pupils, especially the pupils who rarely participate in classroom activity. The methods used are qualitative studies using interviews and observations. The material consists of interview recordings and notes. The concept of dialogue is consistent in the study and focuses on the importance of dialogue amongst pupils to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. The sociocultural perspective of learning and development is used to analyze the empirical material. The results show that oral communication makes more pupils participate in the classroom activities, it especially improves the shy and quiet pupils. Oral communication also affects and develops learning and knowledge in other subjects. This study emphasizes the importance of having a good classroom climate where all students feel noticed, calm and safe, to make dialogue and discussions work in the classroom.

A school classroom is a complex, dynamic social system. As the formal and informal norms and rules of classroom behaviour evolve, a stable socio-psychological climate is created. Teachers frequently speak of a classroom's climate, atmosphere, tone or ambience and consider it to be both important in its own right and influential on student learning. Classroom climate is considered a useful criterion variable for evaluating the instructional and learning process. It helps educators to understand the social, emotional and psychological dimensions in classroom life. Over the past two decades, researchers have produced numerous studies attesting to the importance of classroom climate in mediating cognitive and affective outcomes. The three common approaches to studying classroom environment involve systematic observation, case studies and assessing student and teacher perceptions. Perceptual measures were used in this study. Although important educational climate work has been undertaken by researchers interested in a variety of school subject areas, very little research has been done on the classroom climate of physical education classes. The ultimate aim of the study was to derive knowledge of and insight into the classroom climate in physical education classes. To realise this goal the following aims were set for this study: To conceptualise and identify the determinants that decide classroom climate enhancement in general and specifically PE-classes by means of a literature study. To measure the reliability and validity of a suitable instrument to measure the classroom climate in PE-classes. To determine the classroom climate by means of the suitable measuring instrument. To achieve the first aim of the study an empirical literature survey was conducted where classroom climate was conceptualised and specific determinants were identified which could influence classroom climate in general and the classroom climate in PE-classes specifically. To achieve the second aim, a pilot study was conducted to determine the reliability and validity of an adjusted form of the CES (CES-PE) and the ML-LO to be used in PE classes. Reliability and validity of the CES-PE and ML-LO to be used in PE settings, were proved. To achieve the third aim of the study a questionnaire study was conducted on 1178 pupils and 22 teachers in 11 schools of the Northwest and Gauteng provinces. The pupils included in the study ranged from standards 6 to 9. The results of the empirical research were as follows: The classroom climate experienced in PE-classes was regarded as being very positive. The PE teacher perceived the classroom climate in a more positive light than the pupils. There were no major differences between boys and girls of the classroom climate experienced. There were no major differences between the different standards of the classroom climate experienced. Some determinants that could influence classroom climate in PE-classes were measured with the ML-LO. Results thereof were that the pupils regarded the PE-teacher, PE-uniform, the status of PE, the use of PE in the school programme and the availability of PE-apparatus positively. There were some negative aspects, the main one being that there was not sufficient time to undress and dress and for hygiene care after PE-classes. The PE-teachers completed an additional questionnaire (MO-LO) to gather their views on certain aspects in PE classes. Two main findings came to light: firstly that PE-teachers regard themselves as being well equipped to teach PE at school and, secondly, that the main goal of the PE-teacher is to make PE-classes enjoyable and thereby foster a positive attitude towards physical activities and sport in the pupils. The following recommendation resulting from this research was considered to be the most important: There is a vast necessity for further research to be done in the RSA with regard to the creation of a positive classroom climate in secondary schools, especially in light of the new education policies. This aspect can be addressed by including courses in classroom climate at tertiary education centres. / Proefskrif (PhD (Menslike Bewegingskunde))--PU vir CHO, 1995

The nurturing of critical thinking skills is one of the cornerstones of Outcomes Based Education (OBE). This study investigated to what extent teachers create classroom climates that nurture the development of critical thinking abilities. A literature study was undertaken to highlight the importance and nature of the development of critical thinking skills, and to establish the relationship between classroom climate and the development of critical thinking abilities. The use of teaching methods and strategies, learning activities, questioning techniques, the role of the teacher and the role of the learner during teaching and learning in the classroom were explored. The literature review provided the conceptual framework for the study, as well as the framework for designing a questionnaire that was utilized to obtain the perceptions of teachers and learners regarding the opportunities provided by teachers for the development of critical thinking abilities in the classroom. By means of quantitative, non-experimental descriptive survey research, a self-constructed questionnaire was administrated to a convenient sample of a purposively selected group of Grade 9 and Grade 11 teachers (n=241) and learners (n=403) in the Sedibeng West District of the Gauteng Department of Education. The triangulation of learner and teacher data revealed differences and similarities in opinion related to the classroom climates that teachers create for nurturing critical thinking. In essence, the data revealed that teachers are, to some extent, creating classroom climates that nurture critical thinking through their choice of teaching methods and strategies, questioning techniques and the learning activities that they choose. However, the responses did not convincingly indicate to the researcher that the nurturing of critical thinking skills takes place on a regular and frequent basis. According to the learner responses, it appeared that teaching and learning methods and strategies that promote interactive learning, are underutilized by the teachers. This study is concluded with recommendations to teachers on how to create classroom climates that promote the development of critical thinking skills. Key words: cognition, cognitive development, critical thinking, classroom climate, teaching methods and strategies, learning activities, questioning techniques. / M.Ed., North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010

A school classroom is a complex, dynamic social system. As the formal and informal norms and rules of classroom behaviour evolve, a stable socio-psychological climate is created. Teachers frequently speak of a classroom's climate, atmosphere, tone or ambience and consider it to be both important in its own right and influential on student learning. Classroom climate is considered a useful criterion variable for evaluating the instructional and learning process. It helps educators to understand the social, emotional and psychological dimensions in classroom life. Over the past two decades, researchers have produced numerous studies attesting to the importance of classroom climate in mediating cognitive and affective outcomes. The three common approaches to studying classroom environment involve systematic observation, case studies and assessing student and teacher perceptions. Perceptual measures were used in this study. Although important educational climate work has been undertaken by researchers interested in a variety of school subject areas, very little research has been done on the classroom climate of physical education classes. The ultimate aim of the study was to derive knowledge of and insight into the classroom climate in physical education classes. To realise this goal the following aims were set for this study: To conceptualise and identify the determinants that decide classroom climate enhancement in general and specifically PE-classes by means of a literature study. To measure the reliability and validity of a suitable instrument to measure the classroom climate in PE-classes. To determine the classroom climate by means of the suitable measuring instrument. To achieve the first aim of the study an empirical literature survey was conducted where classroom climate was conceptualised and specific determinants were identified which could influence classroom climate in general and the classroom climate in PE-classes specifically. To achieve the second aim, a pilot study was conducted to determine the reliability and validity of an adjusted form of the CES (CES-PE) and the ML-LO to be used in PE classes. Reliability and validity of the CES-PE and ML-LO to be used in PE settings, were proved. To achieve the third aim of the study a questionnaire study was conducted on 1178 pupils and 22 teachers in 11 schools of the Northwest and Gauteng provinces. The pupils included in the study ranged from standards 6 to 9. The results of the empirical research were as follows: The classroom climate experienced in PE-classes was regarded as being very positive. The PE teacher perceived the classroom climate in a more positive light than the pupils. There were no major differences between boys and girls of the classroom climate experienced. There were no major differences between the different standards of the classroom climate experienced. Some determinants that could influence classroom climate in PE-classes were measured with the ML-LO. Results thereof were that the pupils regarded the PE-teacher, PE-uniform, the status of PE, the use of PE in the school programme and the availability of PE-apparatus positively. There were some negative aspects, the main one being that there was not sufficient time to undress and dress and for hygiene care after PE-classes. The PE-teachers completed an additional questionnaire (MO-LO) to gather their views on certain aspects in PE classes. Two main findings came to light: firstly that PE-teachers regard themselves as being well equipped to teach PE at school and, secondly, that the main goal of the PE-teacher is to make PE-classes enjoyable and thereby foster a positive attitude towards physical activities and sport in the pupils. The following recommendation resulting from this research was considered to be the most important: There is a vast necessity for further research to be done in the RSA with regard to the creation of a positive classroom climate in secondary schools, especially in light of the new education policies. This aspect can be addressed by including courses in classroom climate at tertiary education centres. / Proefskrif (PhD (Menslike Bewegingskunde))--PU vir CHO, 1995