22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Staff Perceptions of the Learning Climate in a Juvenile Justice
Residential Facility
Michelle K. Pickens* and Ann M. Bruno
Dr. Carol Cox, Faculty Mentor
The 'learning climate' is a combination of the school's physical and psychological atmospheres. The purpose of this study was to assess the learning climate of a residential juvenile justice facility in three categories: relationships, attitudes, and personal development. The majority of staff from a detention facility in rural Northeast Missouri who participated in a learning climate survey seemed to agree that the learning climate for staff and students was generally physically safe and emotionally supportive, and that rules were adequately enforced. There was less agreement, though, that students were respectful of each other; and it seemed that disruptions and interruptions were perceived to affect the learning climate, especially by female respondents. This study suggests that by describing perceptions of their school's learning climate; school staff and administration can identify strengths and work to improve upon weaknesses.
Keywords: learning climate, juvenile justice facility
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 41-3
Location: VH 1320
Time: 1:45