Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions of Classroom Learning Environment: An Analysis of their Interrelationship and Influence on Academic Achievement in Biology
pp. 21-42 | Available Online: June 2025 | DOI: 10.22521/unibulletin.2025.141.2
Emmanuel Bizimana , Gabriel Janvier Tugirinshuti , Aimable Sibomana
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Abstract
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Background/purpose. In the context of education, the perceived classroom learning environment (CLE) and attitudes have a significant impact. There is a connection between the two that cannot be broken. Given this relationship, both are relevant components in Biology teaching and learning. Thus, this study examined the relationships among students’ perceptions of CLE, attitudes towards Biology, and their influence on students’ academic achievement in Biology. Materials/methods. A correlation research design was adopted for the study. The study's target population comprised all senior two secondary school students studying biology in the Nyamagabe district of Rwanda. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 7 boarding secondary schools, with a total of 449 students. The What Is Happening in this Class (WIHIC) and Biology Attitude Questionnaire (BAQ) were the data collection instruments. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlational analyses, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results. The study revealed that students' perceptions of CLE, attitudes towards Biology, and their academic achievement in the subject were significantly and positively correlated. Both CLE and attitudes positively predicted students' academic achievement in Biology. Gender significantly affects students' perceptions of the CLE, with females having more favorable attitudes than males. |
Conclusion. The study results indicated a positive and significant association between learning environment, attitudes, and academic achievement in Biology. Thus, the more students perceive the CLE favorably, the more likely they are to develop positive attitudes toward biology, which in turn enhances their academic achievement, and vice versa.
Keywords: Academic achievement, attitude, biology, classroom learning environment, gender
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