Self-perception versus students' perception of teachers' personal style in college science and mathematics courses

• Published in: Research in science education (Australasian Science Education Research Association) Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 437 - 454
• Main Authors: D. Ben-Chaim, U. Zoller
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2001
• Subjects: Cognitive Style; Higher Education; Mathematics Teachers; Personal Style Questionnaire (PSQ); Science Instruction; Science teachers; Science teaching; Self Concept; Student teacher attitudes; Teacher attitudes; Teaching Styles; Undergraduate Study
• ISSN: 0157-244X; 1573-1898
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1013172329170

This study focuses on the assessment of students' (N=138) versus their teachers' (N=8) self-perception of the latter's personal style (PS) in the context of science and mathematics teaching in college; it uses the Personal Style Questionnaire and structured interviews for this purpose. The teacher's preferred (the ideal) and the actual personal style profiles thus obtained indicate that there is a good correspondence between the students' and teachers' perceptions concerning the preferred personal style of teachers. It also indicates that the students assess quite adequately the actual PS of their teachers. Regarding the significance of the association between the students' preferred and the teachers' actual PS in College science and mathematics teaching for effective learning, the self-modification of PS by reflective prospective and in-service science teachers is recommended. [Author abstract]