Browsing by Author "Laine, Jenni"

Purpose of the study. During the past few years, there has been quite little research on classroom management in Finland. Based on international research, it is known that preventive practices, such as positive teacher–student relationships and motivational teaching, are found important by students and teachers. However, some differences can be found in students' and teachers' views and in their ways of explaining the underlying factors of disruptive situations. This study is a phenomenographic type of study, the purpose of which is to study students' and teachers' views of factors that influence a peaceful and functional learning environment and successful classroom management in the Finnish school context. Methods. The interviews were conducted in Helsinki with three primary school teachers and one secondary school teacher who teach in different schools and five sixth-graders from one school and seven ninth-graders from the other school. The teachers were interviewed individually, the students in groups of 2–4 students. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed by searching for similar and frequent meanings and creating categories of descriptions. Findings and conclusions. According to both students and teachers, successful classroom management is enhanced by the teacher's skills to manage classroom activities democratically but assertively, the teacher's positive and appreciative attitude to students, good teaching and parents' support. In contrast to previous research, both students and teachers acknowledged their own responsibility in creating a peaceful and functional learning environment. However, the teacher's role is highlighted in students' and teachers' views. According to the results of this study, the educational partnership between the teacher and the parents, and the teacher's communication skills in classroom management should be promoted to enhance successful classroom management. The requirements to meet the needs of the students with special education needs should also be fulfilled.