Profile Perceptions of the University Classroom Climate

Abstract

The main objective of the research was to outline the dominant and descended dimensions in a perception instrument, taking as a factor, the declared gender. The sample is random and the sample size reaches 235 university students. The study is based on a quantitative approach, its level of depth is descriptive and inferential, with a prospective, cross-sectional and non-experimental register.  The Teaching Climate Scale Conducive to University Student Learning [ECAFEU] was used as a data collection instrument. The main results, after the respective factor analysis, give evidence of dimensional validity, whose factor loads for each item are significant to the corresponding factor. As a methodological strategy, the ECAFEU index is defined, from which 3 types of perception are identified, these being: positive, neutral or negative, the concept of dominance is also considered, referring to the dominant and descended dimension, in such a way as to generate a tool for guidance in decision-making. Regarding those students categorized as having a positive perception, the dominant dimension is dialogic communication between teachers and students, and the most descended dimension is represented by Environmental Conditions. The teaching modality (day and evening) is considered as a study factor, establishing significant effects in the configuration of dominance and in the ECAFEU index.