Exploring Tertiary Learning Environments: Classroom Processes, Measures, and Influences

• In Event: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Effects of the Learning Environment on Outcomes

Abstract

A plethora of research have established strong ties between climate perceptions, self-expectations, achievement goal orientation, and achievement, arguing for a positive association between such beliefs and outcomes. However, these studies have mostly been conducted at pre-tertiary levels, and often relied on researchers for determining the classroom climate aspects to be investigated. This paper explored student conceptions of tertiary learning environments, used student views to guide the development of a new class climate questionnaire, and explored the relations between climate perceptions, self-beliefs, and achievement within the same context. Findings revealed direct and indirect influences of the classroom climate on student self-beliefs and outcomes, suggesting that the latter two may be a function of how the learning environment is perceived by students.

Authors

• Mohamed Alansari, University of Auckland

• Christine Margaret Rubie-Davies, University of Auckland