Through Things to Feelings: An Analysis of the Emotional Dimension in Beginning Teachers' Work

• In Event: 61.029 - Educators and Emotional Labor: Coping With the Emotions of Teaching

Abstract

This paper focuses on emotional dimension in beginning teachers’ work and artifacts as tools to bring this dimension to reflective discussion. Emotions have been shown to be an important dimension in teaching, but less is known about how emotions are present specifically in beginning teachers’ work. Based on the analysis of discussion through self-chosen artifacts in a peer group meeting, we illustrate four ways how emotional dimension and artifacts are connected in beginning teachers’ work. The artifacts 1) were used to influence the emotional atmosphere of the class, 2) played an active part in the relationships with students, 3) represented a means of emotional labor, and 4) acted as metaphors for who one is as a beginning teacher.

Authors

• Erkki Tapio Lassila, University of Oulu

• Katri Jokikokko, University of Oulu

• Geert Kelchtermans, University of Leuven

• Eila Estola, University of Oulu

• Minna Uitto, University of Oulu