Abstract:
This paper reports the development and validation of the Training Environment Questionnaire (TEQ) which can be used to assess psycho- social aspects of classroom environments in vocational education settings. Measurement of psycho-social aspects of classroom environments in Australian classrooms has been extensively undertaken by Fraser, who developed the Individualised Classroom Environment Questionnaire (ICEQ) for use in schools, and the College and University Classroom Environment Inventory (CUCEI) for use in higher education. These instruments are based on Moos' conceptualisation of environments in terms of three dimensions: interpersonal relationships, goal orientation or personal growth, and system maintenance and system change. The factors in Fraser's instruments have not been confirmed when used in TAFE settings and the need to refine Fraser's instruments further in terms of Moos' original conceptualisation of environments has been established.
The TEQ is based on Moos' schema, but takes more account of adult learning principles. The pilot questionnaire has been administered in a wide range of training environments including the armed services, emergency services, the civil aviation industry, management training organisations, universities and TAFE colleges. The instrument has been revised and readministered and its face validity and internal factor structure established. It is envisaged that this new instrument will contribute to valid and reliable measurement of psycho-social aspects of vocational classroom environments. Such measurement is necessary for research which examines the interrelationships between teaching and learning in these settings. An understanding of these relationships will enable modelling of vocational instruction and facilitate the improvement of instructional practices.
The TEQ is based on Moos' schema, but takes more account of adult learning principles. The pilot questionnaire has been administered in a wide range of training environments including the armed services, emergency services, the civil aviation industry, management training organisations, universities and TAFE colleges. The instrument has been revised and readministered and its face validity and internal factor structure established. It is envisaged that this new instrument will contribute to valid and reliable measurement of psycho-social aspects of vocational classroom environments. Such measurement is necessary for research which examines the interrelationships between teaching and learning in these settings. An understanding of these relationships will enable modelling of vocational instruction and facilitate the improvement of instructional practices.