Student personality, classroom environment, and student outcomes: A person-environment fit analysis

The study examined whether classroom environment moderates the relationship between student personality and student outcomes. Researchers agree that congruence between persons and their environments leads to better outcomes for the individual. Therefore, I hypothesized that the congruence between classroom environment and student personality would have a positive impact on student satisfaction and performance. The sample included 732 undergraduate students enrolled in Introductory Psychology courses. Data was collected at three different times during the semester. Student personality was operationalized using the Five Factor Model and measured during the first two weeks of the semester. A measure was used to assess the classroom environment in weeks ten through twelve. Student satisfaction was assessed during the last two weeks of the semester using a four item measure. Final percentage grades for each participant were used to assess student performance. Data were analyzed using polynomial regression analysis and surface response methodology. Results indicate that classroom environment is a strong predictor of student satisfaction, and personality is a strong predictor of performance. Structure and focus and student competition seem to be important classroom environment dimensions that increase both satisfaction and performance. Some personality and classroom environment combinations were found to increase satisfaction and performance.