Questionnaires were distributed approximately 2 months after the beginning
of the school year at both T1 and T2. When visiting the schools, the
author and an assistant stayed in each class for 45 minutes (one lesson).
Before the questionnaires were handed out, tables were rearranged and
screens were set up between the tables to prevent the participants from
seeing each other’s responses. The participants were then introduced to the
study and told how to complete the questionnaire. The researchers made a
point of underlining the fact that no peers, parents or teachers would see
any answers, and that all data would be treated anonymously. It was further
stressed that there were no right or wrong answers and that each child’s
personal evaluation of his or her current experiences and opinions would be
of great interest to the study.