The effects of teacher approval and disapproval

Abstract

This study essentially dealt with the effects of teacher approval and disapproval on the classroom behaviour of their pupils. Its purpose was to investigate the natural rates of teacher approval and disapproval; the rate of pupils being on-task, off-task and disruptive and the relationship between these two rates. For this study, which included 24 teachers and their classes in two State primary schools in Malta, a sample of 620 pupils (352 boys and 268 girls) was selected. Results show that teachers disapprove more than they approve. Approval of desirable social behaviour is virtually non existent; the rate of on-task behaviour decreases over grade while the rates of off-task and disruptive behaviours increase. On comparing sexes, boys seem to be more often off-task and more disruptive than girls. As teacher approval/disapproval increase, on-task behaviour decreases, and off-task behaviour increases.