An Exploration of the Interplay Between Teachers' Goal Orientation Towards Teaching and Teacher Motivation: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between teachers' goal orientation towards teaching and teacher motivation, employing a correlational survey model as part of quantitative research methods. The participant pool consists of public school teachers across various educational levels in the Ereğli district of Zonguldak province during the spring semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. The "Goal Orientation Scale for Teaching" and the "Teacher Motivation Scale" were utilized to collect data, with appropriate validity and reliability analyses conducted. Given the non-normal distribution of the data, nonparametric statistical tests such as Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation analysis were applied. The findings indicate a high level of both goal orientation and teacher motivation, with significant differences observed according to teaching level and education level. Conversely, no significant differences were identified concerning gender, length of service, or school location. The study concludes with the revelation of significant correlations between teachers' goal orientations and motivations towards teaching, underscoring the complex interplay of these key educational constructs.