The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to guide the study of classroom factors that promote student functioning and development within classroom settings. First, we describe a new framework, "Classroom Carrying Capacity," to categorize factors in the classroom as limiting or resource factors across four domains: external,…

Extensive studies have examined adolescent subjective well-being (SWB) and classroom environment separately. The recent decade has witnessed a new line of research on the relationship between SWB and classroom environment. However, researchers have yet to reach an agreement in terms of the definition and operationalization of the two constructs.…

There is great potential for dance studios to offer more tap dancing classes with older participants in mind. The purpose of this article is to share how adult tap classes at our studio are designed to meet older adults' needs and the benefits these classes have from the points of view of 14 dancers between the ages of 48 to 79. To find out how…

This paper explores sensory perception in classrooms, and the relationship between classrooms and nature in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, it argues that this crisis provides a unique opportunity to rethink how we perceive classrooms and their connection with nature. Second, the paper describes what students and teachers usually see,…

Students are often placed in alternative education schools or settings (AES) for behavioral issues that cannot be effectively supported in a general education setting. A large portion of students educated in AES have a diagnosed emotional and behavioral disorder (EBD). An AES teacher is required to provide students with the most effective behavior…

When children have visual impairments and additional disabilities, learning to listen and understanding what is heard are essential for language, literacy, and other learning. Teachers of students with visual impairment should encourage the development of listening skills along with other senses. This Practice Report discusses specific ways to…

This inquiry investigates the effects of trauma on students by analyzing personal experiences and teaching methods. Through the lens of autoethnography, a nonfictional storytelling approach, I reflect on my learning journey to identify compassionate and mindful teaching practices, aiming to foster a trauma-sensitive classroom environment.…

In recent years, there has been a strong call for more fine-grained analyses of student engagement to better capture its nature as a situated, momentary phenomenon. This special issue aims to promote cross-disciplinary discussions about the complex processes involved in students' momentary engagement and learning situated in classroom contexts.…

Trauma-informed approaches are increasingly being integrated within early care and education (ECE) settings due to the plethora of research linking adversity and trauma in early childhood (e.g., maltreatment, violence, and racial discrimination) to children's social-emotional, behavioral, and academic well-being. However, despite widespread use of…

The value of sustaining an open and positive classroom climate for student's academic and socio-emotional development is well documented in educational research. Referring to the prevailing mood or atmosphere of the classroom, the concept is meant to capture the day-to-day experiences of teachers and students on a collective rather than individual…

The purpose of this article is to show that health and physical education (HPE) teachers who implement humor in the classroom intentionally create a more relaxed classroom environment, build stronger relationships with students, and engage students in the learning process. Humor used as an instructional strategy eases teacher stress and engages…

Students cannot experience the full potential benefits of an intervention unless they are receiving the intervention. This is the second installment in a three-part series on intervention fidelity designed to highlight the importance of ensuring classroom supports are implemented as intended. This article provides guidance related to measuring and…

Within the context of literacy instruction, the process of becoming focuses on students' literate identities, or the identities that learners take on and construct in the social and cultural context of learning to read and write (Wagner et al., 2024). In this article, the author explores identity with the purpose of using it as an organizing…

Drawing upon the foundational principles of Imagination Creativity Education (ICE), our article examines the relational dimension in the context of classroom environments, as observed within the Canadian schooling system. We explore the landscape of a community of learnership -- the lived and "living practices" of both students and…

This paper describes the process of developing classroom culture that promotes reciprocal intercultural encountering in the primary school. Storycrafting, an oral storytelling method used for democratic encounters between participants, was used to connect classes in Scotland, Finland and Belgium over three cycles of design-based research.…