An Assessment of Science Teachers' Perceptions of Secondary School Environments in Taiwan

ISSN： 1464-5289

Source： International Journal of Science Education, Vol.28, Iss.1, 2006-01, pp. : 25-44

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Abstract

This study investigates the psychosocial environments of secondary schools from science teachers' perspectives, as well as associated variables. Using a sample of 900 secondary science teachers from 52 schools in Taiwan, the results attest to the validity and reliability of the instrument, the Science Teacher School Environment Questionnaire, and its ability to differentiate among schools. The descriptive results show that a majority of science teachers positively perceived their school environments. The teachers reported high collegiality, good teacher–student relations, effective principal leadership, strong professional interest, and low work pressure—but also low staff freedom. Multiple regression results further indicate that policy‐relevant variables like school level, school location, and teachers' intentions to stay in teaching were associated with science teachers' perceptions of their school environments. Qualitative data analysis based on interviews of 34 science teachers confirmed and enriched these findings.