Children's experiences of their learning environment: Psychometric properties of a questionnaire evaluating classroom environment, activities and interactions

The present study reports on the development of a questionnaire that evaluates children's experiences of their physical classroom environment, activities and interactions. It also explores the psychometric properties of the questionnaire and how acoustical characteristics of the classroom, class size and student characteristics (age, sex and Swedish as a second language) influence the self-reported outcomes. After development, the questionnaire name should read Activities and Interactions in the Classroom were administered to 101 students (7.9-10.7 years old). Demographic information about the students was collected from parents. The psychometric properties including test-retest reliability are good but can be improved by reducing the number of items. Acoustical characteristics of the classrooms and student characteristics did not predict questionnaire outcomes. As the acoustical conditions in students' classrooms were close to optimal, communication fostering support should be in focus. The present questionnaire can be used to assess young students' experiences of their classroom environment and learning situations.

Automated summary

The study developed a questionnaire to evaluate children's experiences in the physical classroom environment, activities, and interactions. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were found to be good, but could be enhanced by reducing the number of items. Acoustical characteristics of classrooms and student characteristics did not predict questionnaire outcomes, suggesting the need for a focus on communication fostering support.