Exploring the elements of teaching related to supportive classroom environment that improve the quality of teaching and enhance students learning outcomes

Abstract

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This study was conducted to explore the elements of teaching related to supportive classroom environment that improve the quality of teaching and enhance students learning outcomes in the subject of Biology at secondary level. The objectives of study were: (i) to explore the element of teaching related to teacher support in supportive classroom environment in teaching biology, (ii) to find out the elements of teaching related to student activity in teaching biology,  (iii) to examine the element of academic engagement of students on teaching biology, (iv) to explore teaching element of students performance assessment criteria for teaching biology and (v) to find out teaching element of self regulation for teaching biology. In the study the elements of teaching quality were selected from literature to investigate the issue of improvement of quality teaching and enhance students learning outcomes. There were four participant teachers selected through purposive sampling technique from three secondary schools of district Rawalpindi. The qualitative method was used in the study. Classroom observations and in-depth interviews were used as a data collection tools. For analyzing the data thematic analysis was used. Conclusion and recommendations were drawn on the basis of common points in theme. The study concluded that regarding teacher support participant teacher A&D expressed that there should be good connection between teacher and students. Teacher B&C held that teachers should support the students as guider, motivator and controller. Expressing about the importance of academic engagement it was considered important (teacher A&C), the best way of learning (teacher B) and to build student interest in learning (teacher D). Stating about the element of performance assessment criteria (teacher A, B&C) had not any explicit statement to check the learning outcome of the student in detail while teacher D assessed it through questioning. Talking about the element of self regulation teacher A considered discipline the responsibility of the whole class while teacher B,C&D considered it the responsibility of class and class teacher. It is recommended that all the teacher should ensure classroom discipline to address the lethargic attitude of the student. Teacher should use checklist to assess the student. Positive learning environment should be created. The research was beneficial for biology teachers to improve the quality of teaching for motivating students learning. It was concluded that the participant teachers who were teaching in Government sector were professionally well qualified, trained and experienced as compared to private sector teachers.