DETERMINING THE INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS' CARING BEHAVIOUR ON STUDENTS’ LEARNING MOTIVATION AT SUNNY HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL. MALAY

Abstract

The influence of caring teachers leaves a great impact on students.  This study examines whether teacher’s caring make any significant difference in students motivation to leam leading to their good performance  in schools. Generally, researchers like Miller(2008) citing the works of researchers like Noddings(1984) defines caring as a cordial relationship  between teacher and students. Research has shown that when students perceive their teachers as caring, they are motivated intrinsically to  engage in learning new skills and information. Specifically, this study focus on students motivation to learn mathematical skills. Based on the survey model designed by Bulach (1998), the questionnaire used in the survey is customised to study the effects of teachers’ caring behaviours on students’ performance which is measured in terms of grades.  The results show a significant correlation between caring behaviour such as teachers’ friendliness, willingness to listen, ability to reduce anxiety, rewarding appropriate behaviours, usage of positive and negative criticisms on the motivation to learn.