An Examination of Primary School Students' Academic Achievements and Motivation In Terms of Parents' Attitudes, Teacher Motivation, Teacher Self-efficacy and Leadership Approach

Abstract

This study aims to analyze primary school students' academic achievement and motivation in terms of parental attitudes, teacher motivation, teacher self-efficacy and leadership perception. Research model of the study is designed as descriptive research model and the data are collected from 60 primary school teachers teaching 4th grade students in 2017-2018 academic year and from 1476 4th grade primary school students. The findings of the study show that fathers' having a high level of education, teachers' having a high level of motivation, a democratic attitude in family are some factors positively affecting student achievement. The findings also indicate that democratic parental attitude and a high level of teacher motivation increase student motivation. It is also concluded that neglectful parental attitude negatively affects student achievement and motivation. Accepted or distributed leadership approach in the school influences teacher motivation. The findings show that teachers with high self-efficacy also have high level of motivation. It is also concluded that teachers at the first years of their career have lower level of motivation. The study is believed to be a guiding example for other studies analyzing similar topics.