Empowerment and relationships: A classroom model to enhance student motivation

This project focused on the goal of establishing a classroom model of motivation in which the source of student motivation is based on internal mechanisms or structures, along with the establishment of greater self-regulatory opportunities for students, and which results in greater student empowerment and motivation. One-hundred current elementary and secondary teachers and 100 university preservice teacher education students completed a 40-item Likert-type questionnaire that focused on four classroom dimensions of affirmation, rejection, student empowerment and teacher control. The results of this project suggested that, although veteran and preservice teachers agreed on the need for teacher control in the classroom, there was less agreement about their perceptions of the need to create a classroom environment of positive affirmation and student empowerment. Implications for future research and the need for creating an affirming, empowering, motivational classroom environment are discussed in light of the limitations for teachers and schools to encourage these constructs associated with recent federal legislative policies.     

课堂管理视角下激发大学生英语学习动机的策略

学习动机被认为在第二语言学习中影响外语学习成绩的重要情感因素之一。英语学习动机的强弱决定了学生在英语学习过程中的努力程度。因而在英语学习中如何从教师角度在课堂管理理论的基础之上来激发大学生的英语学习动机无疑是非常重要的。     

Transformational classroom leadership: a novel approach to evaluating classroom performance

In higher education, student evaluation of teaching is widely used as a measure of an academic’s teaching performance despite considerable disagreement as to its value. This paper begins by examining the merit of teaching evaluations with reference to the factors influencing the accuracy of the teaching evaluation process. One of the central assumptions on which student evaluation of teaching is based is that there is a relationship between student achievement and student rating of teachers. However, the findings of the majority of studies do not support this assumption. The absence of a strong link between student achievement and teaching evaluations suggests that there is scope for examining other approaches to measuring effective classroom dynamics. This paper presents such an approach based on the notion of transformational classroom leadership.     

英语学习动机对课堂教学的启示

学习动机被公认为是影响语言学习者学习成就的重要因素之一。在当代外语教学中,关于动机因素的研究越来越受到重视。因此,充分了解学生的学习动机和如何有效地激发学生的学习动机是教师达到教学目的的必备前提。此研究以D?rnyei的三层外语学习动机理论以及内外动机理论为指导,探讨教师应如何在课堂教学活动中有目的、有步骤地激发学生的学习动机。     

The role of cognitive engagement in classroom learning and motivation

The article analyzes the concept of student cognitive engagement, and the manner in which classroom instruction may develop self‐regulated learners. Since theory and research on academic motivation, to date only vaguely define the role of learning processes, and since studies of learning strategies rarely assess motivational outcomes, our analysis integrates these two streams of literature. We also identify specific features of instruction and discuss how they might influence the complex of student interpretive processes focal to classroom learning and motivation. Measurement issues and research strategies peculiar to the investigation of cognitive engagement are addressed.     

Student perceptions of the classroom environment: Relations to motivation and achievement in mathematics

This study examined the relationship of 979 middle school students’ perceptions of their mathematics classroom environment to their motivation and achievement. Structural equation modeling indicated that motivational variables (utility, personal achievement goals, efficacy) mediated the influence of perceived teacher expectations, teacher support and use of reform practices on mathematics standardised test scores. Our study provides empirical evidence that students’ perceptions that their teachers believe that they are capable of learning and understanding mathematics positively relate to their Mastery and Performance Goal orientations and mathematics Utility. Further, we found an interaction between students’ perceptions of the frequency of reform practice use in their mathematics classroom and mathematics efficacy. For students with lower mathematics efficacy, their perceptions of more frequent use of reform practices in their mathematics class related to higher standardised test performance. For students with higher mathematics efficacy, perceived use of reform practices did not significantly relate to standardised test performance. These data suggest that frequent exposure to reform practices is especially critical for students who judge themselves as being less capable in mathematics and who are lower performers. This finding differs from prior research that has suggested that reform practice use benefits higher achievers but not lower achievers. An important implication of our study is the need for coordinated, ongoing professional development that highlights reform pedagogy and beliefs while also focusing on student motivation theories and strategies.     

The contribution of perceived classroom learning environment and motivation to student engagement in science

This study investigated middle school students’ engagement in science in relation to students’ perceptions of the classroom learning environment (teacher support, student cohesiveness, and equity) and motivation (self-efficacy beliefs and achievement goals). The participants were 315 Turkish sixth and seventh grade students. Four hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted on the dependent variables of cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and agentic engagement. The results indicated that engagement components were positively predicted by most of the perceived learning environment variables, while motivational factors had some differential predictive effects on engagement components. The predictor variables explained 26, 28, 33, and 30 % of the variance in the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and agentic engagement components, respectively.     

Influencing graduate students' classroom achievement,homework habits and motivation to learn with verbal praise

Identifying factors that influence students' learning in the classroom continues to be an important objective of educators at all levels. To address this issue, researchers have investigated a multitude of instructional variables that impact students' motivation to learn. One instructional variable, verbal praise, has often been identified as an important mediator in the enhancement of students' motivation to learn. However, the lack of consistent findings regarding students' reactions to verbal praise, combined with the lack of research on adult learners, prompted the current investigation. Using an experimental design, this study revealed that graduate students exposed to well-administered verbal praise by a professor performed significantly better on a professor-created examination, spent significantly more time doing homework and exhibited higher motivation to learn in the classroom than did studentswho received no verbal praise. Characteristics of effective verbal praise that contributed to these outcomes, the potential usefulness of verbal praise as a reinforcer of student motivations and directions for future research are discussed.     

Simulating variation in order to learn classroom management

Classroom management is an important part of learning to be a teacher. The variation theory of learning provides the insight that it is important to vary the critical aspects of any task or subject that is to be learned. Simulation technology is useful in order to provide a controlled environment for that variation, and text as a medium gives the opportunity to control exactly what aspects are presented to the learner. This study shows that text-based simulation has the potential to help the learner discern critical aspects of classroom management.     

Developing beliefs about classroom motivation: Journeys of preservice teachers

This paper examines the developing beliefs about classroom motivation of eight preservice teachers during teacher education. The framework conceptualises the contexts in which preservice teachers participate and the filtering effect of prior beliefs. Qualitative analyses of multiple data sources reveal two distinct trajectories in the development of beliefs about classroom motivation. The findings highlight the importance of filtering prior beliefs, alignment and conflict of ideas, significance of self-motivating factors and power of emotions in developing beliefs about classroom motivation. Implications emphasize the importance of enabling preservice teachers examining existing beliefs and integrating these with learning during teacher education.     

Effects of a classroom discourse intervention on teachers' practice and students' motivation to learn mathematics and science

Student interest and motivation in STEM subjects has dropped significantly throughout secondary education, for which teacher–student interactions are named as a central reason. This study investigated whether a video-based teacher professional development (TPD) intervention on productive classroom discourse improved students' learning motivation and interest development over the course of a school year. The teachers' intervention group (IG; n = 6) was compared with a control group (CG; n = 4) who participated in a traditional TPD programme on classroom discourse. The teachers showed a significant increase in constructive feedback and decrease in simple feedback as a function of the treatment. Pre- and post-tests revealed that students in the IG (n = 136) significantly increased their perceived autonomy, competence and intrinsic learning motivation as compared with those in the CG (n = 90). They also showed significantly greater interest changes in the subjects compared with their peers in the CG.     

Affective teaching: a method to enhance classroom management

The purpose of the study was to enhance classroom management in special education classrooms. ‘Affective teaching’ was compared with ‘cognitive teaching’ in 52 classrooms in Israel. Data was collected based on observations of three 90 minute lessons, equally divided into the two types of instruction. Results of MANOVA procedures indicated a lower frequency of misbehaviour, including off‐task behaviour, talking without permission, moving without permission and aggression, in the affective lessons compared with the cognitive lessons. In addition, positive behaviour, including expression of thoughts, expression of feelings, self‐awareness and peer support, was more frequent in the affective lessons compared with cognitive lessons. No age difference was revealed. The discussion focuses on the implications of affective teaching in classroom management.

Le but de cette étude était de mettre en valeur la gestion des salles de cours dans les classes d'éducation spécialisée. L'“enseignement affectif” a été comparé ænbsp; l'“enseignement cognitif” dans 52 classes, en Israël. Des données ont été recueillies, basées sur des observations de trois leçons consécutives de 90 minutes chacune, équitablement divisées en deux types d'instructions. Les résultats des procédés MANOVA ont indiqué une fréquence plus faible en mauvaise conduite, également hors‐devoirs, en prise de parole sans autorisation, en mouvements sans autorisation, ainsi qu'en agressivité, lors les leçons affectives par rapport aux leçons cognitives. De plus, un comportement positif, incluant l'expression des pensées, l'expression des sentiments, la conscience de soi, et le soutien entre pairs était plus fréquent lors des leçons affectives comparées aux leçons cognitives. Aucune différence d'age n'a été révélée. La discussion se concentre sur les implications de l'enseignement affectif dans la gestion des classes

El propósito de este estudio fue elevar la gestión en aulas especiales de educación. “Una enseñanza afectiva” fue comparada con “enseñanza cognoscitiva” en 52 aulas en Israel. La data fue recolectada y basada en observaciones de tres lecciones continuas de de 90 minutos, dividida en partes iguales en dos clases de enseñanzas. El resultado del MANOVA procedimiento indicó una descendencia en el mal comportamiento, incluyendo hablar y moverse sin permiso y agresión en la clase afectiva comparada con las lecciones cognoscitivas. Además, una conducta positiva, incluye expresiones de pensamientos expresiones de sentimientos, una propia toma de conciencia y un apoyo de sus camaradas mas frecuente en las clases afectivas comparada con las lecciones cognoscitivas. Ninguna diferencia en las edades fue apreciada. La discusión se centra en las implicaciones de la enseñanza afectiva en las gestiones de las aulas

Das Ziel der Studie war die Verbesserung der Unterrichtsführung in Sonderschulklassen. In 52 Klassen in Israel wurden “Affektives Unterrichten” und “Kognitives Unterrichten” miteinander verglichen. Daten, basierend auf Untersuchungen von drei aufeinanderfolgenden, 90‐ minütigen, gleichmäßig in zwei Unterrichtsarten aufgeteilten Unterrichtsstunden wurden erfasst. Im Vergleich zum kognitiven Unterricht zeigten Ergebnisse des MANOVA Verfahrens im affektiven Unterricht eine niedrigere Häufigkeit von Fehlverhalten, einschließlich Nichteilnehmen am Unterrricht, unerlaubtes Sprechen, unerlaubtes und aggressives Bewegen. Außerdem konnte positives Verhalten, einschließlich Gedanken‐ und Gefühlsäußerungen, Ichbewußtsein, Unterstützung von Gleichaltrigen im affektivem Unterricht häufiger beobachtet werden als im kognitiven Unterricht. Es wurden keine Unterschiede zwischen den Altersgruppen erkennbar. Die Diskussion konzentriert sich auf die Auswirkung des affektiven Unterrichts in der Unterrichtsführung.     

Classcraft: from gamification to ludicization of classroom management

In this article, we discuss the concept of gamification, based on a literature review and preliminary feedback from teachers using Classcraft, a role-playing game supported by a digital platform and a mobile application that were developed to answer high school teachers’ classroom management needs. Our results come from two experiments in France and Quebec and also from an online survey that was made available on the Classcraft platform. These results promote a model of gamification that consists of considering the experience of the students, rather than the game itself, and they confirm that a game is consubstantial to its player. Therefore, we argue for the use of the term “ludicization” to emphasize that transforming a situation into a game does not consist of using elements that have a game-like aspect, but rather of a non-essentialistic vision of play, generating a metaphor around the situation to build a reflexive space where the nature and meaning of interactions are modified.     

A self-determination approach to understanding students' motivation in project work

The use of project work (PW) or project-based learning has escalated in Singapore since its inception by the Ministry of Education in the year 2000. There is however little information on students' motivation, and their experience of PW over time. This study sought to identify homogeneous groups of students with distinct perceived locus of causality (PLOC) profiles using a cluster analytic approach, and to examine group differences in their perceived psychological needs, emotions, metacognition, and perceived skills learned in PW over time. Four distinct clusters of students were identified. The “high self-determined/low controlled” group was the most adaptive cluster, and the “low self-determined/high controlled” group was the least adaptive cluster. The study affirms that the self-determination theory (SDT) can provide important insights into the motivational processes in PW. It establishes that students' motivational regulations and their perceived needs satisfaction at the start of PW are related to their experience of and learning in PW.     

Learning to teach: Knowledge development in classroom management

How does knowledge acquisition contribute to the process of learning to teach? To answer this question, qualitative and quantitative data were collected to investigate the development of teacher candidate knowledge about classroom management within an elementary teacher education program. Specifically, concept maps and interviews revealed patterns of cognitive change over a two-quarter sequence of courses. Analysis of concept maps showed turbulent and idiosyncratic change influenced by program experiences, with an apparent decline in cognitive organization. In interviews candidates deemphasized program influences, focusing instead on clinical experiences as the impetus of cognitive change. These findings—the turbulent apparent decline in cognitive structure and the primacy of field experiences—are explained in terms of Anderson's ACT1 learning theory. Implications for future research in teacher's conceptual development are discussed.