Page 9 - ELG2312 Dec Issue 487

RESEARCH NEWS
EFL teachers’ enjoyment

Supportive schools make teachers happier and more effective.

chool climate is a stronger (materials, technology and support), These questionnaires were
predictor of teachers’ decision making (are teachers answered by 335 EFL teachers (188
enjoyment than self-efficacy involved?), and instructional female and 147 male) at language
Sor wellbeing, according to innovation (is there support for new institutes and schools in Iran.
a recent study by Lawrence Jun approaches?). Using structural equation
Zhang, Jalil Fathi and Farnoosh Self-efficacy was measured using modelling, while higher scores on
Mohammaddokht at the University the 24-item ‘Teachers’ Sense of all three scales positively predicted
of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran. Efficacy Scale (TSES)’ that asks teachers’ enjoyment, perceived
In line with a movement how competent and effective school climate was found to be
towards ‘positive psychology’, teachers see themselves in different the strongest direct predictor of however, supported by self-
which looks for positive influences aspects of their teaching practice. teachers’ enjoyment, as well as efficacy and a good school climate.
such as what is going right rather Psychological well-being was also influencing self-efficacy and But the biggest predictor
than wrong, Zhang et al set out to measured using the 25-item ‘Index wellbeing. Wellbeing was also overall was perceived school
examine how well EFL teachers’ of Psychological Well-Being at influenced by self-efficacy. climate, suggesting that a co-
enjoyment could be predicted Work’ which investigates feelings That school climate, self- operative and supportive working
by assessing three aspects of of competency, involvement and efficacy and well-being all predict environment is the best way to
their experience: perceived recognition and whether they feel enjoyment is hardly surprising, but promote teaching competence,
school climate, self-efficacy and valued and appreciated. what is interesting in this study is the wellbeing and enjoyment.
psychological wellbeing. Teaching enjoyment was relative contributions made, both
Teachers’ perception of their measured using the nine-item directly and indirectly. Teachers who REFERENCE
school’s climate was measured ‘Foreign Language Teaching felt competent and effective were n Zhang, L. J., Fathi, J. and
using the 21-item ‘School-level Enjoyment Scale (FLTES)’ which more likely to enjoy teaching and Mohammaddokht, F. (2023) Predicting
Environment questionnaire assesses how teachers’ rate their have better psychological wellbeing; Teaching Enjoyment from Teachers’
(R-SLEQ)’, which asks about personal enjoyment from teaching, but having better psychological Perceived School Climate, Self-
collaboration (co-operation and whether they feel appreciated by wellbeing did not predict better Efficacy, and Psychological Wellbeing
team-work), student relations their students, and how well they competence, or self-efficacy. at Work: EFL Teachers. Perceptual and
(are they positive, respectful enjoy their social interactions in Positive psychological wellbeing Motor Skills https://doi-org.ezp.lib.cam.
and trusting?), school resources the classroom generally. directly predicted enjoyment, ac.uk/10.1177/00315125231182269

8 new titles in the

Helbling Young Readers Series

Now with
a brand-new
f ,

including
preparation
for A2 Flyers!

Audio of the story, chants and online games
available on Helbling e-zone kids.
Plus worksheets and extra teacher’s resources.

helbling.com/english

editorial@elgazette.com 9