Connection between teachers support and students motivation
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Connection Between Teacher Support and Student Motivation
Teacher Support and Student Motivation: An Overview
The relationship between teacher support and student motivation is a critical area of educational research. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the way teachers interact with and support their students significantly impacts students' motivation, engagement, and academic outcomes. This article synthesizes findings from various research papers to provide a comprehensive understanding of this connection.
Self-Determination Theory and Need-Supportive Practices
According to Self-Determination Theory (SDT), teacher motivation influences student motivation indirectly through teaching practices that satisfy students' basic psychological needs. A study involving South Korean 5th and 6th graders found that teacher motivation (autonomous, controlled, and amotivation) positively affects student motivation through perceived need-supportive practices such as autonomy support, structure, and involvement. These practices enhance students' sense of autonomy and competence, which in turn boosts their motivation and academic achievement.
Teacher Behavior and Student Engagement
Teacher behavior, including involvement, structure, and autonomy support, plays a crucial role in student engagement. Research involving children in Grades 3-5 revealed that teacher involvement is central to students' classroom experiences. Teachers who provide autonomy support and optimal structure significantly enhance students' behavioral and emotional engagement throughout the school year. Moreover, there are reciprocal effects where students who initially show higher engagement receive more supportive behaviors from teachers, creating a positive feedback loop.
Emotional Support and Peer Relatedness
Emotional support from teachers also significantly impacts student motivation. Observations of emotionally supportive teacher-student interactions at the beginning of the school year were linked to increases in students' behavioral engagement and mastery motivation. This effect is mediated by students' mid-year experiences of autonomy and positive peer relationships, highlighting the importance of a supportive classroom environment.
Creative Self-Efficacy and Achievement Emotions
Teacher support extends beyond academic motivation to influence students' creative self-efficacy. In a study of Chinese junior high school students, perceived teacher support was found to enhance creative self-efficacy through the mediating effects of autonomous motivation and positive achievement emotions such as enjoyment and relaxation. This suggests that supportive teacher-student relationships foster not only academic success but also creativity and emotional well-being.
Social Supports and Motivational Outcomes
The interplay between teacher and peer support is also crucial for student motivation. Research on young adolescents indicated that different dimensions of support (behavioral, academic, safety, and emotional nurturing) from teachers and peers are associated with various motivational outcomes, including interest and social goal pursuit. These findings underscore the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to social support in educational settings.
Higher Education Contexts
In higher education, the quality of student-teacher relationships and need-supportive teaching practices are vital for student motivation. A study involving university students found that perceptions of in-class teacher involvement and autonomy support were positively associated with autonomous motivation. However, the relationship between these factors can be complex, as perceptions of trust in benevolence may shift students' attitudes towards dependence on support.
Cross-Subject Effects of Teacher Support
Teacher support can have cross-subject effects on student motivation. Research with German students showed that higher levels of teacher support in one subject could negatively impact students' intrinsic value and effort in another subject. This highlights the need to consider students' classroom experiences as interconnected across different subjects.
Technology Acceptance and Learning Engagement
The integration of technology in education also plays a role in the relationship between teacher support and student motivation. A study in eastern China found that perceived teacher support significantly enhances learning engagement, with technology acceptance and learning motivation serving as mediating factors. This suggests that teachers should leverage technology to foster a supportive learning environment.
Conclusion
The connection between teacher support and student motivation is multifaceted and influenced by various factors, including teaching practices, emotional support, peer relationships, and the integration of technology. Effective teacher support not only enhances students' academic motivation and engagement but also fosters creativity and emotional well-being. Educators should adopt a holistic approach to support that considers the diverse needs and experiences of students across different contexts and subjects.
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