Positive Teacher Research Articles

Fostering teachers’ readiness for leadership roles: the dynamic interplay among positive school culture, affective-identity motivation to lead and teacher optimism

PurposeThis study delves into the less-explored domain of teachers’ readiness for leadership roles by investigating the direct and indirect relationships between positive school culture and teachers' readiness for leadership roles through affective-identity motivation to lead, and teacher optimism.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (WPLS-SEM) for data analysis. The data were gathered from 424 elementary school teachers who do not hold any leadership positions in Xi’an, China. A total of 391 samples were used after sampling weight adjustments.FindingsThere is a significant and positive direct relationship between positive school culture and teachers’ readiness for leadership roles. Affective-identity motivation to lead and teacher optimism emerged as significant mediators in this dynamic.Practical implicationsThis study complements and expands on the study of the relationship between positive school culture, affective-identity motivation to lead, teacher optimism and teachers' readiness for leadership role. This research has established a theoretical framework for school stakeholders to cultivate future teacher leaders.Originality/valueThese findings provide valuable theoretical insights into educational leadership literature and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing teachers in assuming leadership roles, particularly in the context of Asian societies.

The Effect of Teaching Strategies on Students’ Self-Esteem

This study investigated the impact of teaching strategies on students’ self-esteem across various domains, including general, social, marital, and academic contexts. The research focused on 10th-grade students in Murree Tehsil, employing a sample of 300 students (150 boys, 150 girls) and 120 teachers. Using a self-developed instrument and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, the study examined relationships between teaching strategies and self-esteem, considering gender differences. Results indicated that teaching strategies significantly predict students’ self-esteem, with all variable pairs showing significant correlations (p < 0.01). A t-test revealed significant gender-based differences in the relationship between teaching strategies and self-esteem (t = -1.341, p = 0.00). The study emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and constructive teacher feedback to enhance students’ self-esteem. These findings contribute to understanding how teaching methods can be optimized to support students’ self-esteem development across various life domains, offering practical implications for educators and policymakers in designing effective teaching approaches.

The 5Cs positive teacher interpersonal behaviors-implications for learner empowerment and learning in an L2 context, Ali Derakhshan. (2022). Second Language Learning and Teaching, Springer Cham, 141 pages, ISBN: 978-3-031-16527-6

Teachers' positive interpersonal behaviors play a key role in the field of education and are essential for creating a positive classroom climate, facilitating student learning, and improving learning outcomes.2022 In November 2022 Springer Publishing House published a book edited by Ali Derakhshan, a leading Iranian scholar, titled "5Cs of Positive Teacher Interpersonal Behavior-... -Implications for Learner Empowerment and Learning in Second Language Settings‖. The main purpose of the book is to explore the role of positive teacher interpersonal behaviors in second/foreign language teaching and providing theoretical support and empirical validation of the role of teacher interpersonal behaviors in foreign language learning outcomes. Teachers' positive communicative behaviors originate from Positive Psychology (Positive Psychology), which as an emerging field and an important branch of psychology has received more and more attention from scholars. This paper first introduces its main content, followed by a brief evaluation.

Impact of the Elementary School Heads Leadership Behavior on the Teacher’s Morale in School Districts of Pilar

The study focused on elementary school heads' leadership behaviors and their impact on teacher morale in Pilar's school districts, aiming to provide valuable insights into educational leadership dynamics. It outlines the objectives of analyzing leadership behavior, assessing teacher morale, determining impacts, identifying challenges, describing measures, and proposing a leadership model to address these issues comprehensively. The mixed-methods study used surveys and document analysis to examine how leadership behavior influenced teacher morale. Quantitative methods measured the impact on commitment and assessed various attitudes and challenges. Qualitative methods analyzed leadership behaviors reflected in OPCRF and described measures to address challenges. Findings indicate proactive leadership practices, contributing to positive teacher morale, yet challenges such as workload and communication gaps persist, indicating areas for improvement. Measures to address these challenges include embracing technology, fostering collaboration, and enhancing communication channels to create a supportive and conducive work environment. The proposed Adaptive Transformational School Leadership Behavior and Change Model integrates adaptive and transformational leadership theories, offering a holistic framework to address challenges and drive positive change within educational contexts. In conclusion, the study underscores the crucial role of school leadership in shaping teacher morale and organizational dynamics, highlighting the importance of supportive environments, effective communication, and targeted interventions to enhance educational outcomes and foster a conducive learning environment within Pilar's elementary schools.

Novice Teacher Recruitment and Retention in a Midwestern State: An Exploration of Contextual Factors

Teacher recruitment and retention consistently emerged as problematic in research and practice. This was particularly true in difficult-to-staff areas, such as rural school districts in the United States. As the teacher pipeline continued to decrease and various challenges plagued the field, this problem quickly became a crisis. The present study aimed to lift novice teachers' voices in rural and remote rural areas of a Midwestern State better to understand individuals' experiences in a rural setting and contribute to the current knowledge base of rural teacher recruitment and retention. Eleven participants in this qualitative phenomenological study aimed to uncover the specific contextual factors that influenced their experiences as novice teachers in a rural Midwestern State. Interviews revealed the need for direct support from administrators and colleagues to create a sense of belonging, which was imperative to positive novice teacher experiences. The need for appropriate preparedness within their preservice experiences and coursework, as well as solid induction and mentoring programs once hired, surfaced during the interviews. Rural-specific field experiences paired with comprehensive induction and mentoring programs focused on specific feedback prepare preservice teachers and novice teachers for successful rural teaching and living. Intentional recruitment efforts, including grow-your-own programs for future teachers and partnerships between rural school districts and teacher preparation programs, boosted the pipeline of novice teachers for rural areas.

Teachers' competence: How to protect teachers' mental health from the burden caused by students' private in-class use of technical devices?

The current study investigated how students' private in-class use of technical devices is associated with teachers' mental health. Data of 361 teachers from primary and secondary schools in Germany were assessed via online surveys. The present cross-sectional results show a positive association between burden caused by the students' private in-class use of technical devices and teachers' depression symptoms. Both were negatively linked to teachers' positive mental health (PMH) and teachers' competence in handling students' private in-class use of technical devices. In a moderated mediation analysis, the association between burden and depression symptoms was mediated by PMH. Teachers' competence moderated the link between PMH and depression symptoms. Specifically, the higher the competence, the weaker the relationship between both variables. Thus, the protective effect of teachers' competence could be especially important in persons with low PMH. Competence training in handling students' use of technical devices is discussed as a potential step that could protect teachers' mental health.

Students’ well-being development in the classroom: a mixed-method study

Students’ well-being is a fundamental goal in education. The school has a strategic role in developing students’ well-being. This study elaborates on teachers’ classroom activities to develop students’ well-being. The research employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory approach. There were 1,100 students from 11 junior high schools in East Java Province, Indonesia, provided quantitative data. Four teachers provided qualitative data. Descriptive and regression analysis techniques were used for analyzing quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for analyzing qualitative data. The results show that the hypothesis is accepted. It means that classroom climate affects students’ well-being. The findings also showed four teacher strategies for developing students’ well-being, namely: creating harmonious relationships with students, developing student potential, helping students with difficulties, and creating rules to make students comfortable being in school. The ability of teachers to manage learning in the classroom affects the high level of students’ well-being. The results have implications for the development of students’ well-being through positive teachers teaching.

The Implementation of the Principal's Academic Supervision in Improving the Professionalism of Early Childhood Educators

The purpose of this study was to determine the implementation of academicsupervision of principals in improving the professionalism of PAUD teachers. Thetype of research used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The data sources inthis study were the principal and three teachers. The data collection techniques usedwere interviews and field notes. Data analysis by reducing data, presenting data,and verifying data. The research findings indicate that school principals mentorteachers to enhance their professionalism, improve their knowledge and skills, andenhance the quality of education. Inhibiting factors include teacher absenteeismand nervousness during supervision. Supporting factors include positive teacher response and good relationships between all parties involved.

TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION ABOUT ORGANIZATIONAL POLITICS & ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH TEACHERS’ PERFORMANCE: THE APPLICABILITY OF MOA MODEL

The motivation, opportunity and ability model for teachers’ performance is related to the employees' long-term performance and competitiveness. The purpose of the study was to investigate the perceptions of teachers about organizational politics by finding out the relationship amid organizational politics, teachers' performance, and motivation, opportunity, and abilities (MOA) model. Quantitative survey research design was employed for this study. The sample was comprised of 15 public & 15 private schools of district Lahore. The data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that school teachers observed a strong culture of organizational politics. Results showed that there is positive relationship amid teachers’ performance and MOA model and thus related to organizational politics. The findings of study will enhance understanding of teachers' performance in MOA model & politics & interrelationship with individual performance. Teacher’s performance can be increased with the use of MOA model in the institutions.

Interpersonal self-efficacy, morale, and personality traits of public elementary school teachers vis-à-vis teaching performance

In the landscape of education, the role of elementary school teachers stands as a cornerstone in shaping the intellectual and emotional development of young minds. Amidst the myriad of factors influencing teaching effectiveness, the interplay between interpersonal self-efficacy, morale, personality traits, and teaching performance emerges as a critical area of inquiry. This study employed descriptive correlational research to determine the level of interpersonal self-efficacy, morale, and personality traits of public elementary school teachers vis-à-vis teaching performance in the Division of Ozamis City, School Year 2022-2023. Respondents of the study were the public school teachers from District 5 and 6 of Ozamis City Division with a total of 117 teacher respondents. Frequency Count, Percentage, Mean, Weighted Average Mean, Kruskal-Wallis Test, Dunn’s Pairwise Tests, and Spearman rho were the statistical tests. Study revealed that the majority of respondents were female teachers with a range of one to five teaching experience. The teachers demonstrated high levels of interpersonal self-efficacy and morale, indicating their confidence in guiding and inspiring their pupils, as well as their satisfaction with their interactions and contributions to the school and community. While no significant differences were found in self-efficacy, morale, and personality traits based on age, sex, and highest educational attainment. It is worth noting that personality traits had a significant but very low correlation with performance. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating positive teacher attributes and promoting a supportive environment to enhance teacher performance and ultimately improve the quality of education in the region.

Development of STEM Integrated Flipped Classroom Learning Program to Improve Students' Systems Thinking Skills

This research develops a Flipped Classroom integrated with STEM with the ADDIE model to improve systems thinking skills. The research subjects were 31 students at Al Kautsar Middle School in Bandar Lampung. At the beginning of the research, it was found that 70% of teachers had not used the flipped classroom, 65% had not integrated STEM, 73% had not understood systems thinking skills which was carried out on 30 teachers, and performance analysis was carried out on 60 students, with the results of 72% learning traditionally, 73% had not integrated STEM and the average value of systems thinking skills is 40. Validators stated that the development instrument was valid with values of 92.12 and 92.52% when limited testing was carried out. Assessment of learning implementation was 89% and assessment of student performance was 88%. The program is effective in improving systems thinking skills in terms of an N-Gain of 0.58 and an effect size of 0.22 in the medium category. Effectiveness is supported by practicality 88%, positive teacher response 88%, and positive student response 81% with very high criteria. The research results concluded that the STEM-integrated flipped classroom program was effective and practical in improving systems thinking skills.

EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Science Fiction to Teach Reading & Writing

EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Science Fiction to Teach Reading & Writing

A Teacher Competence Model and Measurement Based on Smart Education

Objective: This study mainly explores the impact of professional identity and digital literacy on the teacher ability of normal school graduates in the context of smart education and its impact channels and mechanisms. Theoretical Framework: Based on the research objectives and research hypotheses, we constructed a comprehensive conceptual model to understand the impact, impact pathways and mechanisms of professional identity and digital literacy on teacher competency of normal college students Method: The research uses a method that combines theoretical analysis and empirical investigation and combines positive psychology and teachers' professional development stage theory. This study established a competency structure model suitable for measuring normal college students. It used scale tools such as the College Students' Professional Identity Scale and the College Students' Learning Engagement Scale and used statistical methods such as structural equation modeling (SEM) and multiple regression to analyze the questionnaires. Results and Discussion: Examine the impact of professional identity and learning investment on teacher competency of normal college students, analyze the size of the influencing factors, measure the current competency level of normal college graduate teachers, analyze existing problems, and propose improvement strategies, thereby exploring the transformation of teacher education under the background of smart education basic logic and realistic path. Research Implications: The sample size and representativeness of this study are limited to one local undergraduate normal university. Therefore, there are still many shortcomings in this study, which need to be further deepened and improved in future research. Originality/Value: This study explores the relationship between teacher competence and digital literacy, professional identity, learning engagement, and learning efficacy among teacher trainees, and examines the mediating role of learning engagement and learning efficacy in the relationship between professional identity and learning. This is beneficial for us to gain a deeper understanding of the formation of teacher competence among teacher trainees in the context of smart education

Teacher–student relationships and student engagement: The mediating effect of peer relationships

Previous research has shown that teacher–student relationships influence student engagement, which, in turn, plays a key role in academic achievement. However, few studies have focused on the mechanism between the teacher–student relationship and student engagement. To address this gap in the literature, this study examined the link between teacher–student relationships and college students' engagement via the mediator of peer relationships. The sample consisted of 222 university students in Southwest China. Results of structural equation modeling showed that a positive teacher–student relationship was positively related to student engagement, and peer relationships partially mediated this relationship. Our findings will help researchers and educators to better understand the mechanism of the link between teacher–student relationships and student engagement, and provide practical suggestions for improving college students' engagement.

Towards the implications of positive teacher interpersonal behaviors for Spanish learners’ academic engagement: Voices from Chinese SFL learners

With the advent of positive psychology in the area of language education, more focus has been placed on the consequences of favorable teacher communication behaviors in language classes. Nonetheless, the function of language instructors' interpersonal behaviors in raising learners' engagement is somehow unknown. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no research study has been carried out in Spanish language classes to explore the function of teacher communication behaviors in learners' engagement. To fill this lacuna, the current inquiry looked into the role of teachers' positive interpersonal factors in Chinese SFL learners' behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement. For this purpose, a random sample of 32 SFL learners was chosen to participate in our online interview sessions. The answers of SFL learners to the interview questions were thematically analyzed via MAXQDA software. The thematic analysis findings pointed to the value of teacher communication behaviors in improving SFL learners' engagement. The analysis outcomes also demonstrated the potential of 11 positive interpersonal behaviors (rapport, care, clarity, credibility, confirmation, immediacy, closeness, praise, feedback, respect, and stroke) in increasing Spanish language learners' academic engagement. The practical implications that may emerge from the present study's outcomes are finally discussed.

KOMPETENSI KEPRIBADIAN GURU DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEDISIPLINAN SISWA MAN 1 LAMONGAN

A school is a place where students can receive instruction formally in an organized environment that aims to help them achieve their academic and personal success. In addition to spreading knowledge, good teachers are also role models for their students by getting to know students more deeply. Therefore, good teacher character is very important in fostering student discipline because they have the ability to guide and limit students to act and think according to their personality development. This study discusses how teacher personality can affect in improving the discipline of MAN 1 Lamongan students. The purpose of this study was to identify how the personality of teachers in MAN 1 Lamongan impacts student behavior. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach, which involved observation, interviews, and documentation with a combination of data from primary and secondary sources. The results showed that the nature of a teacher greatly affects the level of discipline in the classroom. Positive teachers often show more self-control and obedience in their students than less charismatic teachers. Teachers who are fair, consistent, strong, powerful, and intelligent and compassionate will most likely improve the discipline of their students.

The Role of Citizenship Education in Building Global Citizens

This study aim for explore role education citizenship in form attitude tolerance students at school basic, with focus on integration values tolerance in curriculum, the role of teachers in the learning process, and influencing factors effectiveness learning citizenship for tolerance. Research methods used is approach combination between quantitative and qualitative, with participant form student class school basics who follow the learning program citizenship. Research result show significant improvement in attitude tolerance student after following the program, especially because integration values tolerance in curriculum, roles active teacher in inclusive learning, and the environment supportive school. In conclusion, it's important education citizenship in promote attitude tolerance among student school base very important, and factors like design relevant curriculum, positive teacher role, and environment supportive school hold role key in create environment conducive learning for growth attitude tolerance student. Although thus, a challenge like limitations source power and resistance to values tolerance need overcome through proactive and solution-oriented strategies for increase effectiveness learning citizenship for tolerance.

Influence Citizenship Education Learning in Grow Attitude Tolerance to Students in Elementary School

This study aim for explore role education citizenship in form attitude tolerance students at school basic, with focus on integration values tolerance in curriculum, the role of teachers in the learning process, and influencing factors effectiveness learning citizenship for tolerance. Research methods used is approach combination between quantitative and qualitative, with participant form student class school basics who follow the learning program citizenship. Research result show significant improvement in attitude tolerance student after following the program, especially because integration values tolerance in curriculum, roles active teacher in inclusive learning, and the environment supportive school. In conclusion, it's important education citizenship in promote attitude tolerance among student school base very important, and factors like design relevant curriculum, positive teacher role, and environment supportive school hold role key in create environment conducive learning for growth attitude tolerance student. Although thus, a challenge like limitations source power and resistance to values tolerance need overcome through proactive and solution-oriented strategies for increase effectiveness learning citizenship for tolerance.

When we came back the ball was just not rolling: Special needs educators' perspectives of improvisation through the COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractWhile the COVID‐19 pandemic disrupted education across the globe, special needs schools in middle‐ and low‐income countries were particularly affected. Learners in these contexts often did not have access to assistive technologies and individualised adaptations of materials in their home environment. This study aimed to explore the experiences of special needs educators regarding how lockdown restrictions had impacted their educational practices. In‐depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 special needs educators across the Gauteng and Western Cape provinces of South Africa and were analysed through the lens of interpretive phenomenological analysis. Three themes emerged from the interviews. First, the teachers discussed the ways in which they ensured that the curriculum continued during the period of hard lockdown. Second, they discussed the challenges of remote teaching, and lastly, they addressed the challenges when the learners returned to face‐to‐face learning. These themes shed light on the teachers' flexibility, creativity and ability to improvise within uncertain, unpredictable and unfamiliar educational terrains. We draw the conclusion that it was largely due to positive teacher–learner relationships and the commitment by teachers that improvisation and creativity were possible and effective.

Examining the complex connections between teacher attitudes, intentions, behaviors, and competencies of SEN students in inclusive education

Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, we explored the impact of 498 primary school teachers in Hong Kong on the competences of students with special educational needs (SEN). We found that their attitudes, control beliefs, and subjective norms about inclusive education (IE) significantly influenced their IE intentions, and subsequently their behaviors. Intentions and behaviors mediated the effect on the social and academic competencies of SEN students. Our findings, consistent across nine different SEN types, have highlighted the role of fostering positive teacher dispositions and reinforcing IE intentions and behaviors through training and peer support networks, facilitating effective IE implementation.