A1 Journal article (refereed)
Classroom behavioural climate in inclusive education : a study on secondary students’ perceptions (2021)

Hoffmann, L., Närhi, V., Savolainen, H., & Schwab, S. (2021). Classroom behavioural climate in inclusive education : a study on secondary students’ perceptions. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 21(4), 312-322. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12529

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Hoffmann, Lisa; Närhi, Vesa; Savolainen, Hannu; Schwab, Susanne

Journal or series: Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs

ISSN: 1471-3802

eISSN: 1471-3802

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 06/07/2021

Volume: 21

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 312-322

Publisher: Wiley

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12529

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/77053

Abstract

Previous studies pointed out that dealing with difficult behaviour is perceived by teachers as a major challenge in inclusive settings. However, research on the students' perception of the classroom behavioural climate (CBC) is rare. Therefore, this study aims to examine students’ perceptions of CBC and to identify predictors of CBC as well as associated variables. The sample consists of 650 German students from secondary schools (5th-9th grade) of whom 83 students are diagnosed with special educational needs (SEN). CBC was measured via four subscales (‘students’ possibilities to study and concentrating on teaching’, ‘disruptive behaviour’, ‘physical and psychological safety’ and ‘caring for the physical environment’). Results show significant differences in students’ perceptions of CBC between students from different school tracks. Furthermore, gender (being male) and SEN (having a) predict the perception of ‘physical and psychological safety’. Additionally, social inclusion, emotional experience as well as teacher support and care are associated with CBC. Accordingly, a positive CBC is important for the successful implementation of inclusive education: while diversity in classrooms is a challenge for behavioural climate, poor behavioural climate may also pose specific barriers to learning for some students with SEN and thus is a general challenge for equity in inclusive classrooms.

Keywords: classroom work; students; teachers; behaviour; social behaviour; behaviour disorders; ambience; challenges; interaction; social interaction; inclusion; involvement (participation)

Free keywords: classroom behaviour climate; social behaviour; inclusion climate; social inclusion

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1