Browsing by Author "Pullinen, Lotta"

Goals. The aim of this study was to clarify the concept of classroom atmosphere and specify the ways how teacher can improve the classroom atmosphere. The classroom atmosphere is a multidimensional phenomenon and can be difficult to define as a concept, but which nevertheless affects everyday schoolwork. The classroom atmosphere is essential to the success of schoolwork from the point of view of both pupils and teachers. Improving the classroom atmosphere is an important part of the teachers work, so in this study I focused on the ways in which teachers can improve the classroom atmosphere. Methods. This study is a descriptive literature review. Research data consisted of seven teachers’ handbooks which introduce different ways to improve classroom atmosphere. The data was analyzed by thematizing the ways of improving the classroom atmosphere. These categories were used to discuss what kind of ways a teacher can use to improve the classroom atmosphere. Results and conclusions. The results of this study indicate that the ways to improve the classroom atmosphere are diverse and extend beyond the classroom. The data shows that teachers’ handbooks provide a variety of ways to improve the classroom atmosphere, which are in line with each other. The classroom atmosphere can be improved by managing the classroom, influencing schoolwide practices and policies, investing in school-home collaboration, practising functional exercises and games, and by advance planning. Improving the classroom atmosphere happens in similar context than social and emotional learning and it aims to similar skills than social and emotional learning.