Teacher-Student Relations in Practice: Student Perceptions of Positive Teaching

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 11:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Relational Pedagogy and Belonging: Navigating the Social Dimensions of Student Motivation and Learning

Abstract

Teacher-student relations significantly shape teaching and learning processes, yet are usually defined in abstract terms lacking actionable insights. Our study traces the understudied student perception of the relational practices teachers apply in class. Using a mixed methods research design we observed and recorded lessons (n=20) given by “relational expert” teachers, and conducted episodic interviews with students (n=16) using documentation excerpts as stimuli. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed 11 practice based relational actions teachers perform in class, alongside implications of positive and negative relations on students' learning experience. The study offers theoretical and practical tools for advancing relational pedagogy, and holds implications for teacher training and development purposes.

Authors

• Orly Shapira, Tel Aviv University

• Fadia Naser Abu-Alhija, Tel Aviv University

• Benzi Slakmon, Tel Aviv University