Reading 4

Learning Environments Research : Yesterday, today and tomorrow ( Fraser, 2001 )

Learning Points : A lot...but these are some of my take-aways...
(1) The various instruments that are available for research on assessing classroom environment which have been used in classrooms around Asia.
I think James mentioned during the pre-session that he conducted a study using WIHIC in his class. I hope he could share with the rest of us his findings as I would be very much interested to conduct one for my classes.
(2)In Hong Kong, a study of classroom learning environment revealed that students felt that their environment was more positive when they had teachers who were friendly and caring and who had good classroom management skills.
They also felt that a less boring atmosphere also contribute to a positive environment. Honestly speaking, I feel that for most of us, especially myself, balancing all the above elements can prove to be quite difficult. I teach Maths and I wish I could have interesting lessons everyday. I do plan activities but sometimes, I'm really at a loss for ideas that will cater to my type of students. Hope anyone of you teaching Secondary Maths could share with me what has worked in your class before.
(3) The differences in findings between the Australian and Singapore schools in the cross-national studies using the QTI were caused by different cultural backgrounds and education systems. This study also reminds me of another study I have read about how Singapore and Bruneian students perceive what constitute the "best" Maths teacher. The study showed that the difference lies in the personal relationship between pupils and teachers. Singapore students cited being patient as one of the criteria of a good Maths teacher but the students from Brunei did not state that attribute.The researcher suggested that this may be due to the different educational system whereby the pace in Brunei is much slower than Singapore's.
(4) A research that was done by Khine and Fisher in Brunei which showed "cultural differences in students' classroom environment perceptions depending on whether the teacher was Asian or Western". I wish they had elaborated a little more on the findings in this paper, though.
(5) The need for Asian researchers to be more active in developing new instruments in assessing classroom environment.

New terms learnt : Hope I can remember what all those abbreviations stand for...:p

(1)Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI)
(2)Constructivist Learning Environment Survey(CLES)
(3)What is Happening In This Class (WIHIC)
(4)Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI)