Abstract
This article examines the discursive construction of the authoritative identity of teachers in relation to a number of issues in the classroom context, including identity negotiation, pedagogic discourse and teacher-student power relationship. A variety of classroom teacher talks are analyzed from a discourse analytical perspective, revealing the core constituent parts of the teacher’s authoritative identity and the constructive process of the authoritative discourse. The analysis shows that different combinations of the constituent parts make up distinctive frameworks of the teacher’s authoritative status. The discursive choices that emerge in the negotiation of the authoritative identity result in a strong or a weak form of authority. The article concludes with a discussion of the relevance of the teacher’s authoritative identity to pedagogic discourse and teacher-student power relations.
Highlights
IntroductionThe identity of a teacher as an authority begins the moment he or she enters the classroom
Authority and IdentityThe identity of a teacher as an authority begins the moment he or she enters the classroom
This article examines the discursive construction of the authoritative identity of teachers in relation to a number of issues in the classroom context, including identity negotiation, pedagogic discourse and teacher-student power relationship
Summary
The identity of a teacher as an authority begins the moment he or she enters the classroom. The teacher summons the students’ attention, organizes learning-related activities, presents new knowledge, disciplines undesired behavior of students, gives feedback, and announces the end of class. This authority is present more or less explicitly throughout any lesson in any classroom, even though the instructional content and activities may vary. Authority is one of the core constituents of the professional identity of the teacher and an essential guarantee of effective classroom management and instruction
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
