Effectiveness of Teacher Action Research in Improving Learning Environments

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Learning Environments SIG Poster Session

Abstract

This study involved a three-year whole-school teacher action research project with 2673 students in 171 classes in a coeducational secondary school in South Australia. A mixed-methods approach combined quantitative data from scales of the Constructivist Oriented Learning Environment Survey (COLES) and one scale, self-efficacy, from the Students’ Adaptive Learning Engagement in Science (SALES) questionnaire with qualitative classroom observations and feedback from teacher learning groups. Quantitative data revealed significant improvements in student perceptions of the learning environment over the three-year period. Qualitative data from classroom observations and discussion groups supported and embellished the quantitative findings.

Authors

• Paul Edward Rijken, Cardijn College

• Barry J. Fraser, Curtin University

• Jill M. Aldridge, Curtin University