The Teacher Classroom Climate Scale (TCCS): Development and Validation of a New Instrument for Use in Primary School

Abstract

Mari-Anne Sorlie, Silje S Hukkelberg

Background: A positive classroom climate is crucial for student well-being and academic success. There is a lack of validated teacher-rated instruments that assess classroom climate in primary school to ensure that the psycho-social and academic learning conditions in class are beneficial for all students.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a teacher-rated instrument for use in primary school that addresses key aspects of the classroom climate. The instrument is called the Teacher Classroom Climate Scale (TCCS).

Data: Data consisted of a large population-based sample of teachers (n = 1,720) form Norway who rated 14 items encompassing the classroom climate in their class. Data were collected as part of a longitudinal effectiveness study that was implemented in 65 ordinary and representative Norwegian primary schools (Grades 1-7).

Methods: The sample was divided into two randomized halves, and exploratory factor analysis was performed on the first half (n =846) whereas confirmatory factor analyses were performed on the second half (n = 874) to verify the factor structure. In addition, we evaluated the convergent validity of the TCCS by inspecting correlations between classroom climate scale and students' academic achievements and problem behaviors.

Results: The results revealed a three-factor structure (social relations, learning conditions and task orientation). The analyses showed that two of the 14 items had low factor loadings, and were therefore omitted from the final version of the scale. The final scale showed good internal consistency. The TCCS correlated moderately both concurrently and predictively with academic level and academic differences in class, and with severe problem behavior in class.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the TCCS may be a useful instrument to assess classroom climate in primary school. The need for further research on the TCCS is emphasized.

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