Dissertation
Caring teachers and their impact: A phenomological study of students' perceptions
Washington State University
Doctor of Education (EdD), Washington State University
05/2009
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006190
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the phenomenon of caring from the student perspective. Research questions that guided the study are: (a) How do students define or talk about "caring" and "uncaring" teachers they experienced during their K-12 years? (b) How do students describe their experiences of being "cared for" by teachers or, conversely, of not being cared for? and, (c) What are the views of students in regard to the impact of caring and uncaring teachers on their schooling and lives? A phenomenologically-oriented, qualitative research approach was used in order to understand the participants? experiences and perspectives. Phenomenologically-oriented interviews with twelve students who recently graduated from K-12 schools were used to collect data. As a result of the analysis of the study, eight themes of caring were identified within two general dimensions. These two core dimensions of teacher caring are pedagogical caring and nurturing caring. The themes that emerged regarding the dimension of pedagogical caring are helping students, using effective pedagogy, and giving students time. The themes that were revealed as nurturing care are establishing personal relationships, treating students respectfully and positively, exhibiting concern for students? personal welfare and well-being, guarding students? emotional safety, and providing students with a feeling of being cared for. These themes emerged as a result of listening to students? perspectives. Conclusions are stated as a conceptual framework that represents students? perspectives on caring and uncaring teachers. The conceptual framework is that teacher caring is seen by students along two basic dimensionspedagogical care and nurturing care. Each of these dimensions is illustrated with a variety of teacher behaviors represented in a two-by-two matrix. It is hoped that this study will bring awareness and a greater sense of the importance of caring in student?s lives and will serve as a catalyst for discussion and change in regard to giving voice to students, hiring teachers, and providing professional development for teachers.
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Details
- Title
- Caring teachers and their impact
- Creators
- R Curtis Banks
- Contributors
- Gail C. Furman (Chair)Lenoar Foster (Committee Member)Terrell A Young (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- College of Education
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Education (EdD), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 126
- Identifiers
- 99901055123201842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation