Teachers’ constructs about their pupils: A content analysis
Hanne TouwUtrecht University of Applied Sciences
Paulien C. MeijerUtrecht University
Theo WubbelsUtrecht University
Research questions
The general question: What are teachers’ personal constructs about pupilsand how do these relate to whether teachers experience pupils as regular or demanding?
In this paper two sub-questions:1. What are teachers' personal constructs about their
pupils? 2. Are there differences between student teachers working
in primary education and teachers working in special education?
Positive constructs &
Opposite constructs
The construct theory
by George Kelly
Oprah WinfreyNelson MandelaMargareth Thatcher
In what way do two of these persons resemble each other the most?
(and thus differ from the third?)
The teacher makes a card for each of his/her pupils
Bram Marrit Joris Mieke Abdel Mo
Virgio Micha Kaat Zehra Mette Stijn
Jessie Marjo Doris Fien Michiel Nino
In what way do two of these pupils resemble each other the most?
(and thus differ from the third?)
Bram Marrit Mieke
Eliciting personal constructs
Example Eliciting construct
QuietMarrit Mieke
Example Eliciting opposite construct
Quietnaughty
restless
involved
busy
Stap 3construct description
Quiet Sweet and calm
Energetic Concerned enthusiasm
Busy Uncontrolled bouncing ball
Lazy No initiatives, no action
Describing constructs
The coding systemAreas Content of the areas1: Existential constructs about the way pupils think, constructs about
thoughts on human existence. 2: Moral constructs about working attitude and task behavior.
3: Emotional constructs about the emotional and psychological functioning.
4: Relational constructs about the social functioning and relationships with others and the relationship from school with the parents
5: Personal constructs about the individuality of a person.
6: Intellectual / Operational
constructs about the cognitive and intellectual functioning and school achievement.
7: Values / Interests Constructs about the artistic -, expressive - and physical abilities.
8: Concrete descriptors constructs about the physical functioning, physical capabilities, physical characteristics and outward appearance.
Not classified
The coding systemAreas Examples
1: Existential pragmatic, philosophical, asking questions, modern
2: Moral concentrated, independent, motivated, curious, disinterested
3: Emotional obstinate, positive self-esteem, optimistic, self assured,
4: Relational not helpful, shy, good friend, good social skills, supportive family, concerned parents
5: Personal cosy, nice, frankly, friendly, full of humour, dull, secretive
6: Intellectual / Operational
smart, intelligent, good puzzler, interested in books, verbally intelligent, good reader, speaks French fluently
7: Values / Interests musical, creative, artistic, sporty, loves nature, hobbies
8: Concrete descriptors good looks, healthy, agile, attractive, sporty, fashionably dressed
Not classified
Coefficients of interrater agreement
Value Approx. Sig. Nominal by Nominal
Contingency Coefficient
,918 ,000
Measure of Agreement
Kappa,906 ,000
N of Valid Cases 98
The positive constructs
Frequency Percent1. Existential 10 1.5
2. Moral 146 22.3
3. Emotional 102 15.5
4. Relational 127 19.4
5. Personal 139 21.2
6. Intellectual / operational 58 8.8
7. Values / interests 16 2.4
8. Concrete descriptors 51 7.8
Not classified 7 1.1
Total 656 100.0
The positive constructs
10
146
102
127139
58
16
51
7
existential
The opposites constructs
Frequency Percent1. Existential 8 1.2
2. Moral 142 21.6
3. Emotional 106 16.2
4. Relational 126 19.2
5. Personal 148 22.6
6. Intellectual / operational 57 8.7
7. Values/ interests 13 2.0
8. Concrete descriptors 51 7.8
Not classified 5 .8
Total 656 100.0
The opposite constructs
8
142
106
126
148
57
13
51
5
existential
Positive constructs from student teachers and teachers.
8 areas with positive constructs from 47 (student) teachers
1. existential
2. moral
3. emotional
4. relational
5. personal
6. intellectual / operational
7. values / interests
8. concrete descriptors
Not classified
Total
student teachers
3 76 52 59 36 31 6 23 3 289
teachers 7 70 50 68 103 27 10 28 4 367
Total10 146 102 127 139 58 16 51 7 656
Opposite constructs in the Coding System
Student teachers Teachers
Three questions to be discussed with the audience
• What do we need to know about teacher cognitions about demanding pupil behaviour?
• Why do teachers at special schools formulate significantly more constructs about the individuality of a pupil, the constructs that are coded in the personal area?
• Teachers perceive an increase in behavioural problems. What is needed in order to have teachers see more positive aspects in the differences between pupils?
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