New research among students aged nine to 11 aims to shed light on the relationships between young learners and teachers.

The research, being conducted by the Institute for Childhood with the President’s Foundation for Well-being of Society, will be published in the coming weeks.

Researcher Mary Darmanin, of the University of Malta’s Faculty of Education, said the qualitative study was based on interviews with 109 fifth year children, as well as interviews with teachers.

The research was discussed at a seminar organised by President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca at San Anton Palace yesterday.

Speaking from the sidelines of the seminar, Prof. Darmanin told the Times of Malta the research had found, among other things, that young students yearned for a reciprocal relationship with their teacher.

Study based on interviews with fifth year children and teachers

“We found that they enjoy knowing that their teacher is looking out for them but they also said they enjoy it when their teacher gets them to do something, when they feel a sense of belonging and like they are doing something for their teacher,” she said.

The research focused on what is known as positive psychology, looking at what is working and ways to maximise on this. Prof. Darmanin said she had also looked into what affected young students negatively.

“We found that students feel negatively when they perceive their teacher to be unjust – even if it is towards another student. Or when a teacher reprimands other students, even though it is not them, it still makes them uncomfortable,” she said.

Ms Coleiro Preca said she hoped the research would help inform teachers and policymakers.

“The classroom is one of the most influential environments for children,” she said.

Another research project being carried out by the institute will focus on public spaces suitable and available for children.