Abstract

the Annual Meeting of the National in Science Teaching (New Orleans,-- Speeches/Meeting Papers (150) The general trend in Australian teacher-student interpersonal behavior has been to report the student perceptions of science learning environments. The purpose of this study was to report teacher actual and ideal perceptions of the learning environment. In addition, science students ' perceptions were compared to science teacher perceptions. Thirty-five schools completed the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI), which gathered data on teacher and student perceptions of interpersonal communication patterns. A sample of 3,515 students from 164 secondary school science classes resulted. Statistical analyses previously have confirmed the reliability and validity of the QTI for secondary school science students. This study found that there were consistent differences between the actual and ideal perceptions of teachers and the student perceptions of the actual learning environment. For example, the teachers thought they demonstrated more leadership and helpful/friendly behavior than did their students. These differences serve as a useful and practical starting point for teachers to use in reflection on teaching practice. Furthermore, they may serve as a catalyst for improving the enjoyment and achievement of students in science classes. (Contains 27 references.) (Author/SM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document