Inside The Primary Classroom: Examples of Dissatisfaction Behind A Veil of Compliance

Abstract

This study explored over 100 Year 6 children's feelings towards, and behaviour within, literacy lessons across an academic year. This study revealed that the majority of dissatisfied children concealed their feelings from their teacher, defined within this article as ‘dissatisfaction behind a veil of compliance’. Through progressive sampling, where children were observed in a range of subjects, the effort placed in this concealment is explored, together with the role of the teacher and external forces in potentially encouraging it. The article concludes by discussing the possibility of applying the implications of the findings to practice, especially in terms of providing a more open environment, where teachers and pupils can express their views, openly and constructively.

Keywords:

• pupil perspective
• primary classroom
• compliance
• pupil agency
• dissatisfaction
• pupil–teacher relationships