Multiple research methods from different paradigms were used in this interp
retive study to explore the nature of classroom environments in a cross-nat
ional study involving Taiwan and Australia. When English and Mandarin versi
ons of a questionnaire assessing student perceptions of 7 dimensions of the
classroom learning environment were administered to 50 classes in each cou
ntry, data analysis supported the reliability and factorial validity of the
questionnaire and revealed differences between Taiwanese and Australian cl
assroom environments. The data provided a starting point from which other m
ethods (such as observations, interviews, and narrative stories) were used
to gain a more in-depth understanding of the classroom environments in each
country. Findings are represented in the form of stories and interpretive
commentaries.