Table 1 Problematic Items (mean score ≤ 2) in subscales of Learning environment before interventions (2011)

I: students’ perceptions of learning

23. The atmosphere is relaxed during lectures

24. The teaching time is put to good use

37. The teachers give clear examples

12. The school is well-timetabled

7. The teaching is often stimulating

IV: students’ perceptions of atmosphere

32. The teachers provide constructive criticism here

13. The teaching is student-centered

II: students’ perceptions of teachers

50. The students irritate the teachers

8. The teachers ridicule the student

9. The teachers are authoritarian

48. The teaching is too teacher-centered

35. I find the experience disappointing

25. The teaching over-emphasizes factual learning

V: students’ academic self-perceptions

28. I seldom feel lonely

46. My accommodation is pleasant

17. Cheating is a problem in this school

III: students’ social self-perceptions

3. There is a good support system for students who get stressed

6. The teachers are patient with patients

14. I am rarely bored on this course