ERIC Number: EJ1235993
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Sep
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1835-517X
EISSN: N/A
How Teachers Find Meaning in Their Work and Effects on Their Pedagogical Practice
Turner, Kristina; Thielking, Monica
Australian Journal of Teacher Education, v44 n9 Article 5 p70-88 Sep 2019
This study addresses a gap in current literature by applying a qualitative phenomenological approach to understand how teachers with a calling orientation perceive meaning in their work. A calling orientation has been defined by Wrzesniewski, et al. (1997) as a commitment to one's work as it contributes to the greater good and makes the world a better place. Individuals' perception of participation in meaningful work has been closely linked to subjective wellbeing. The current study revealed that teachers' reported that they found meaning in their work through having an impact on their students' lives and through positive relationships with students and colleagues. However, there was an incongruence between activities that teachers find meaningful and the actual activities that they perform daily in their roles. Supporting teachers to find meaning in their work and to engage in meaningful work activities may serve to improve teacher wellbeing.
Descriptors: Teacher Motivation, Career Choice, Teacher Influence, Teacher Student Relationship, Collegiality, Well Being, Social Support Groups, Faculty Development, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Educational Practices
Edith Cowan University. Bradford Street, Mount Lawley, West Australia 6050, Australia. Web site: http://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A