Spheres of Influence: Ventures and Visions in Educational Development*

3-6 July, 2002
The University of Western Australia
Perth, Western Australia

Abstract

Changing learning environments for quality tertiary classes

Chenicheri Sid Nair, Monash University, Australia

The purpose of this study was to investigate students' and lecturers' actual and preferred perceptions of their classroom learning environments. The study involved the modification and validation a new form of the College and University Classroom Environment Inventory (CUCEI). This study is distinct in that it is the first study utilising the modified CUCEI at the tertiary level. The reliabilities of the scales of the modified CUCEI ranged from 0.73 to 0.94. Student perceptions indicated a preference for a more favorable learning environment in all seven areas measured by the CUCEI. Female and male students perceived their classroom environments similarly. However, mature students perceived their classroom more positively on two scales, Task Orientation and Equity. Generally, lecturers perceived their environment more favorably than their students. Lecturers who employed the normal mode of course delivery, that is lecturing, were generally perceived less favourably by their students. Lecturers could find this new version of the CUCEI to be a valuable source of information, particularly for comparisons between their own and their students' perceptions. Further, this study also provides university lecturers information on how they can create a quality learning environment that might enhance student satisfaction.

Key words: Quality; Classroom environments

Objectives, outcomes and activities:

1. Provide an insight and usefulness of a new instrument;
2. Discussions of new and innovative practice in higher education; and
3. To stimulate active engagement of participants of the innovative practice.

Dr. Sid Nair is Quality Adviser with the Centre of Higher Education Quality at Monash University. He has extensive experience lecturing in the applied sciences in Canada, Singapore and Australia. He has worked in a consulting role in the Women's Re-entry Program into non-traditional work, as a research engineer with Nestle and as a Patents Examiner. His research work lies in the areas of quality in the Australian Higher Education system, classroom and school environments.

Contact: Sid Nair, email: Sid.nair@adm.monash.edu.au