Patterns of motivating teaching behaviour and student engagement: a microanalytic approach

• Published in: European journal of psychology of education Vol. 37; no. 1; pp. 227 - 255
• Main Authors: Cents-Boonstra, Miriam, Lichtwarck-Aschoff, Anna, Lara, Mayra Mascareño, Denessen, Eddie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.03.2022; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Behavior; Behavior Patterns; Classrooms; Education; Educational Environment; Educational Psychology; Learner Engagement; Learning; Learning Processes; Motivation Techniques; Outcomes of Education; Pedagogic Psychology; Self Determination; Skill Development; Student Motivation; Student participation; Success; Teacher Behavior; Teachers; Teaching methods; Microanalytic approach; Motivating teaching; Student-teacher interaction; Student engagement
• ISSN: 0256-2928; 1878-5174
• DOI: 10.1007/s10212-021-00543-3

Positive student engagement is a prerequisite for students’ educational success. In this study, a microanalytic approach was used to explore patterns in teachers’ use of specific motivating teaching behaviours from the perspective of self-determination theory in relation to indicators of students’ positive engagement. The lessons of 52 teachers were observed and event-based coded. Results showed that specifically asking motivating questions and providing positive feedback and support during exercises were associated with subsequent positive student engagement. Unexpectedly, some demotivating teaching behaviours were also found to relate to positive student engagement, although to a lesser extent. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.