Student perceptions of a culturally diverse classroom environment

Abstract

The research in the paper involves an application of the actual and preferred versions of a previously‐validated learning environment instrument: the What is Happening in This Classroom (WIHIC) instrument in a complex multi‐cultural university‐level environment. Statistical analyses suggest the instrument is valid in this setting (with Cronbach alpha above 0.80 for all scales), and data analyses using ANOVA point to relatively few differences between preferred and actual environments. The research findings suggest all students would prefer a more interactive and equitable classroom, the latter issue of particular importance for one cohort, namely Indo‐Fijians (descendents of ethnic Indian indentured labourers). With the exception of this, there are few differences based on ethnicity and further analysis also suggests no differences in perceptions vis‐à‐vis collaborative versus competitive learning environments, excepting that analysis based on gender shows females have a slight preference for a more cooperative learning environment.

Keywords:

• university
• multicultural
• WIHIC instrument
• higher education
• diversity