Classroom Teacher Social Skills: Development, Validation, and Application of a New Instrument

• In Event: Thriving Teachers: Factors Influencing Teachers’ Job Satisfaction and Efficacy

Abstract

Teacher social skills are critical in empowering teachers’ effectiveness in developing quality teacher-student interactions in the classrooms. Building on the existing literature on social skills, teacher-student relationships, and teacher interpersonal behaviors, this study conceptualizes a teacher social skills framework that highlights the importance of teacher social skills in the classroom. To measure classroom teacher social skills, a Teacher Social Skills Scale (TSSS) was developed and validated in this study. It accounted for key outcomes in terms of teachers’ job satisfaction, professional commitment, and teacher-student interaction. This study has contributed to the knowledge of teacher-student interactions by conceptualizing a teacher social skills framework and an instrument which has important theoretical and practical implications for researchers, administrators, and practitioners.

Authors

• Yeong Jong Tan, National Institute of Education - Nanyang Technological University

• Choon Lang Quek, Nanyang Technological University

• Gavin Fulmer