Teacher Interpersonal Communication Research Articles

Factors Affecting Teachers’ Competence in the Field of Information Technology

The development of learning technology today, have a direct impact on improving teachers’ information technology competence. This paper is presented the results of research related to teachers’ information technology competence. The study was conducted with a survey of some 245 vocational high school teachers. There are two types of instrument used in taking the data, namely questionnaires and observation sheets. Questionnaire was used to obtain data on teacher interpersonal communication, use of information technology tools, teachers’ perceptions toward information technology, and self-improvement of teachers. Observation sheet used to obtain data on teacher competence in the field of information technology Data was analyzed using path analysis through SPSS 12 and LISREL 8:30. The analysis showed teachers’ competence in the field of information technology is influenced by the teacher interpersonal communication, use of information technology tools, teachers’ perceptions toward information technology and self-improvement of teachers either directly or indirectly.

Perceptions of Asian-American and Hispanic-American teachers and their students on teacher interpersonal communication style

The study investigated the relationship of teacher and student ethnic background to their perceptions of teacher interpersonal behaviour. It is theoretically linked to research on multicultural education and teacher interpersonal communication styles. Perceptions of 27 Asian-American and Hispanic-American teachers and their students in culturally diverse high schools were gathered by means of questionnaires and structured interviews. Teachers had more favourable perceptions of their own behaviour than their students did. Student and teacher ethnic background had a small but significant impact on students’ perceptions of their teachers. Interview data provided some evidence that concepts studied in relation to the cultural dimensions of communication, such as respect from students, closeness, and identification of students with their teachers, are helpful in explaining the relationship between ethnic background and perceptions of students and teachers. The results merit further research into the effects of culture on perceptions and provide recommendations for improvements in culturally responsive education.