International Comparative Studies of Teacher Motivation and How They Matter

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Our symposium inspiration was the recent decision to include teacher motivation in some large international assessments (eg. TEDS-M). It seems timely to discuss together informative theoretical approaches to measuring teacher motivations and how they matter. Motivation researchers from different contexts are conducting large-scale international projects concerning teachers’ motivation; the Chair and Discussant are well-known in international assessment. We collectively examine how teacher motivations matter, having each adapted and elaborated a different “big theory” of motivation to the study of teachers (expectancy-value, achievement goal, self-efficacy). Data highlight salient cultural dimensions in their nature, antecedents, and consequences. Our Discussant’s expert commentary highlights particularities, poses fruitful directions for research, and implications for systems, employers and teachers. We conclude with interactive questions and discussion.

Sub Unit

• International Relations Committee

Cosponsors

• SIG-Lives of Teachers

• SIG-Motivation in Education

Chair

• V. Darleen Opfer, RAND Education

Papers

• Motivational Factors Influencing Teaching Choice: Measurement, Comparisons, and Consequences - Helen M.G. Watt, Monash University; Paul W. Richardson, Monash University

• Achievement Goals for Teaching in International Perspective: Concepts, Findings, and Implications - Ruth Butler, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Limor Shibaz, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Teachers' Self-Efficacy and Professional Development in High- and Low-Performing School Systems - Rob Klassen, University of York; Anna-Katharina Praetorius, German Institute for International Education Research (DIPF)

Discussant

• Sigrid Blömeke, University of Oslo