Learning environment in vocational education and training
The interrelation of classroom climate, norms, and the teacher’s roles
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7577/sjvd.6428Keywords:
Social learning environment, class climate, norm, violation of norms, teacher rolesAbstract
The importance of academic, social, and physical factors for the learning environment is well documented in research. However, there is little research on how learning environments develop over time. Consequently, this article examines development processes in learning environments at vocational schools. The article focuses on the social learning environment, with particular attention to the interaction between classroom atmosphere and the establishment and management of norms. The article analyses the roles of the teachers in this interaction. The analyses are based on interviews with teachers from four foundation programmes representing different vocational fields at four Danish vocational schools. The results show that the establishment of norms and norm violations influence the classroom atmosphere. Clear norms contribute to a positive classroom atmosphere, while norm violations contribute to a deterioration of the atmosphere. Teachers have a considerable influence on the establishment and re-establishment of norms in the classroom. The article highlights the importance of teachers being attentive to norm violations and shifts in classroom atmosphere.
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