Introduces a special invited issue of this journal which presents four articles characterizing research in the field of classroom and school learning environments. One article illustrates a typical research study; and the others examine the development, validity, and use of learning environment instruments. A list of 65 references is included. (SM)

A study of 13,502 students in urban public schools (grades 3 through 12) serving predominantly minority students found females reported higher scores for their perceptions of the learning environment than did males, few differences by subject area, and many differences by grade level. In general, middle school classes had the least favorable…

Investigates whether significant differences exist between effective and ineffective urban schools based on students' classroom behavior and students' motivation and perceptions of their classroom learning environment. Comparisons between eight urban elementary schools serving predominantly African American students are presented that show…

Conducted observations of 90 teachers and 356 students from 16 inner-city middle level schools. Data indicate that students were typically involved in whole-class instruction and not interacting with either their teacher or other students. Students rarely selected their own instructional activities and were generally very passive. Teachers spent…

Reports a study that examined motivation and classroom environment differences between 1,200 Asian American and white middle school students in mathematics education. Student surveys indicated that there were significant differences between the two groups by ethnicity, sex, and grade on their motivation in mathematics and classroom learning…

Presents an observational study of multicultural educational practices within 12 elementary schools in a major metropolitan area of the south central region of the United States. Reveals the use of the Multicultural Teaching Observation Instrument in measuring teacher support of students, classroom equity, and integration of students' culture…

Examined classroom processes in urban elementary schools identified as effective/efficient (E/E) and ineffective/inefficient (I/I), noting differences regarding students' behavior, motivation, and perception of classroom learning environment. Data from observations and student surveys indicated several classroom process differences between E/E and…

This study examined whether sixth- and eighth-grade students' motivation, anxiety, and classroom learning environment in mathematics differed significantly according to the degree of implementation of technology in the mathematics classroom. Self-concept, involvement, affiliation, satisfaction, and parent participation are discussed in relation to…

Examined how well elementary teachers with English-language learners implemented five standards of effective teaching. Classroom observations and student surveys indicated that in classrooms where the standards were moderately used, students perceived more cohesion, higher perceptions of their reading ability, and significantly less difficulty…

Investigates the relationship between social studies classroom environment and student motivation. Correlates several environmental variables with three motivational constructs (academic motivation, academic self-concept, and social self-concept) among 157 sixth grade, predominantly Hispanic students. Finds student satisfaction significantly…

Mathematics achievement was used to distinguish between resilient and nonresilient Latino middle-school students, primarily immigrants from working-class families speaking English as a Second Language. Resilient students had greater involvement and satisfaction in math class, academic self-concept, and achievement motivation than nonresilient…

Reports a study that examined resilient and nonresilient urban middle school students' perceptions of their classroom learning environment. Data analysis revealed that resilient students had higher perceptions of involvement, task orientation, rule clarity, pacing, satisfaction, and feedback than nonresilient students did. Resilient students also…