Teacher Behavior and Teacher-Student Relationships: Comparing Chinese and Dutch Classroom Environments

• In Event: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Effects of the Learning Environment on Outcomes

Abstract

Teacher-student relationships develop from teacher-student interactions and on its turn influence these interactions. In earlier research correspondence has been found between macro-level teacher-student relationships and micro-level real-time teacher interpersonal behavior in a Dutch sample. The current study aims to investigate teacher interpersonal behavior and its association with teacher-student relationships in a Chinese sample, and thus study the cross-cultural generalizability of earlier Dutch results. We applied a computer joystick device to measure real-time teacher behavior of six Chinese secondary school teachers in terms of a blend of two interpersonal dimensions: Agency and Communion. Preliminary results show similarities and differences between Chinese and Dutch teachers, specifically low variability of Chinese teacher behaviors. This study contributes to a better understanding of teacher-student relationships.

Authors

• Xiaojing Sun, Utrecht University

• Helena J. M. Pennings, Utrecht University

• Tim Mainhard, Utrecht University - Dept of Education

• Theo Wubbels, Utrecht University