An investigation of teacher-student interpersonal behavior in science classrooms using laptop computers

This study was part of a larger evaluation of the effectiveness of laptop c omputers in grades 8 and 9 science classrooms, in a sample of Australian In dependent Schools. In the study described in this article, students' percep tions of their teacher's interpersonal behavior were assessed using the Que stionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI). As this was the first time this qu estionnaire had been used in science classrooms where laptop computers were being used, important validation data are provided. Associations between t eacher-strident interpersonal behavior and students' attitudes to science a nd their enquiry skill achievement were also investigated. Students' attitu des to science were assessed using a scale adapted from the Test of Science -Related Attitudes (TOSRA) and achievement was measured using scales from t he Test of Enquiry Skills (TOES). The QTI, attitude scale, and enquiry skil ls scales were administered to 433 laptop students in grades 8 and 9 scienc e classes, in nine Independent schools across four Australian states. Descr iptive statistics confirmed the reliability and validity of the QTI for sci ence laptop classroom research. Generally, laptop students' perceptions of teacher-student interpersonal relationships were found to be positively ass ociated with students' attitudinal and cognitive achievement outcomes.