Peace to learn refers to a peaceful state that makes meaningful and productive learning possible--in other words, the conditions that allow or hinder pupils to work peacefully in the classroom. How pupils perceive their own position in the classroom is related to their perception of peace to learn. In this research, the purpose was to draw a…

Using a multi-method, multi-level approach, this study examined the link between classroom emotional climate and student conduct, including as a mediator the role of teacher affiliation, i.e., students' perceptions of their relationships with their teachers. Data were collected from 90 fifth- and sixth-grade classrooms (n = 2,000 students) and…

Research on small group interactions indicates that children tend to adopt ideas shared by peers with higher status. This study explored whether this pattern exists in whole-class discussions. Using observations and surveys, children's status was not found to be a significant factor in students' evaluation of peer ideas during whole-class…

This paper describes how gestures are used to enhance scaffolding that occurs in small group settings. Sixth and eighth grade students participated in an elective science course focused on earth science concepts with a substantial spatial visualization component. Gestures that students used in small group discussions were analyzed and four…

This paper presents results of a study attempting to identify the extent to which teacher effectiveness research and research into teacher interpersonal behavior can help us collect valid and reliable evaluative data from students about their teacher behavior. The major findings of teacher effectiveness research are outlined and the process that…