An Examination of School Climate and Student Well-Being in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

• In Event: School Culture and Climate in International Settings

Abstract

School climate plays an instrumental role in the academic and social development of students. This paper is part of a large mixed methods study across three low and middle-income countries, Colombia, India, and Malawi; where we aim to understand how students’ relational environment affects their sense of alienation, belonging, and well-being. Data collected through longitudinal surveys administered to over 1600 students indicate similar patterns of relationships in the three countries: the sense of alienation decreases when students have better relationships with teachers. This emphasizes the importance of teachers for having a positive experience in school. We also find that when students feel that the school treats all students fairly, they are more likely to experience a higher sense of belonging.

Authors

• Aanchal Gidra, Michigan State University

• Tatiana Chirkina, Michigan State University

• Su Yon Choi, Michigan State University

• Amita Chudgar, Michigan State University

• Thomas F. Luschei, Claremont Graduate University

• Nancy Kendall, University of Wisconsin - Madison