Authors:
Scholz-Kuhn, R., Makarova, E., Bardi, A., & Döring, A. K
Goal of the study:
This study looked at the personal values of young children and how they related to classroom behaviour reported by their teachers. The study also investigated differences in behaviour ratings to see whether teacher evaluations might be influenced by gender stereotypes.
Findings:
The study found that already at the young age of 7, children tended to behave according to their personal values, as observed by their teachers. Specifically:
- Children who chose the values of Benevolence and universalism as more important compared to other children, showed supportive behaviours in the classroom, like helping other children and showing empathy.
- Children who chose the values of Conformity and security values as more important compared to other children, showed disciplined behaviour in the classroom, like respecting the rules and maintaining order.
- Children who chose the values of Self-direction and stimulation as more important compared to other children, showed learning-oriented behaviours, such as showing curiosity and the desire for intellectual stimulation.
- Children who chose the values of Achievement and power as more important compared to other children, showed achievement-oriented behaviours, such as being driven to outperform others or excel academically.
The study also showed that teacher ratings of classroom behaviour appeared to be influenced by gender. So gender stereotypes may influenced teacher evaluations of classroom behaviour with the same behaviour being judged differently for boys and girls.
Implications for Educators:
Policy and Curriculum Level
Educational policies and the content of the national curriculum should reflect an appreciation of the relationship between specific values and adaptive classroom behaviour.
School Level
Schools should consider the role of values education when seeking to develop initiatives to promote specific adaptive behaviours among pupils.
Schools should develop training programs to help address gender-related biases in teacher evaluations.
Classroom Level
Teachers can encourage classroom activities that reinforce values linked to specific classroom behaviour they wish to promote.
Teachers can use insights into individual children’s personal values to better understand their motivations and behaviour, helping them provide tailored support and encouragement.
Increasing awareness of biases in behaviour assessment can help teachers form fairer student evaluations.