The Effects of Repertoire Selection and Classroom Configuration on the Middle School Classroom Environment

This predictive correlational study examined the effects of classroom configuration and repertoire selection on student perspectives of the middle school choral classroom atmosphere. Despite the general understanding that repertoire affects the classroom atmosphere, how repertoire selection and classroom configuration affect student perspective is still being determined. Student perspectives are vital as they have a significant impact as educators endeavor to create a positive learning environment for choral students. This quantitative study applied a multiple linear regression to predict the results of the Short Test of Musical Preferences and the National School Improvement Partnership’s Classroom Climate Questionnaire Upper Primary. This study aimed to understand student perspectives on classroom arrangement, repertoire selection, and classroom environment in the middle school choir classroom. The study was conducted in one public middle school choir classrooms in Northeast Georgia. It included 117 choral students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. The findings of this multiple regression analysis revealed a predictive relationship between classroom configuration, repertoire selection, and classroom atmosphere. The regression results showed that the results were statistically significant (R2 = .281, p = 0.034) along with a large effect size (0.625), displaying that classroom configuration and repertoire selection impact students\u27 perspectives on classroom atmosphere. This information is helpful for choir teachers as they aim to form a positive classroom environment for all students. Limitations and recommendations for future research are included