Characteristics of Secondary School Classroom Environments That Enhance Understanding of Nature of Science and Attitudes

• In Event: 46.087 - Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: 46.087-4 - A Collection of Posters Exploring Learning Environments

Abstract

The literature shows that the learning environment affects student understanding and the affective domain of attitudes and interest. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between the learning environment and the student outcomes of science attitudes and understanding of the nature of science. A sample of 246 high-school students in a metropolitan area of the United States Midwest completed questionnaires regarding their perceptions of their learning environment attitudes toward science, and understanding of the nature of science. Past research was replicated in that relationships emerged between the classroom environment and these attitude and understanding outcomes. The research is distinctive in that few past learning environment studies have incorporated understanding of the nature of science as a student outcome.

Authors

• Sheila Raja, Thornton Fractional School District 215

• Barry J. Fraser, Curtin University