Teachers’ theories of intelligence and instruction in English secondary education

Cutler, Chloe-Rose, Mallaburn, Andrea, Putwain, David W. and Daly, Angela (2019) Teachers’ theories of intelligence and instruction in English secondary education. Teacher Education Advancement Network Journal, 11 (2). pp. 59-70.

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Abstract

This paper explores the relationship of teachers’ intelligence beliefs and classroom instruction, in-particular teachers’ use of intelligence language. According to Dweck’s (1999) theory of intelligence, individuals can hold intelligence beliefs on a continuum from an entity theory, where intelligence is fixed, through to an incremental theory, with intelligence understood as malleable. Some research demonstrates congruence between teachers’ beliefs and practice; for example, teacher intelligence beliefs and praise language (Lin-Siegler, Dweck & Cohen, 2016). Other findings, however, report incongruence between the belief-practice relationship, such as intelligence beliefs and use of challenge (Rissanen, Kuusisto, Hanhimäki & Tirri, 2018a). Consequently, this study aims to further understand teachers’ belief-practice relationship in the classroom. Pilot data were collected through mixed-methods, consisting of Dweck’s (1999) intelligence theory questionnaire, video-recorded observations, and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that the belief-practice relationship is both congruent and incongruent; as teachers’ intelligence beliefs are not always enacted during instruction. Rather, intelligence belief and practice may be mediated by other personal beliefs and contextual factors, such as pre-determined target grades, class sets (low, mid, high), beliefs about students and student behaviour; however additional evidence is required.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Teacher Education Advancement Network Journal
Publisher:	Teacher Education Advancement Network (TEAN)
ISSN:	2054-5266
Departments:	Academic Departments > Institute of Education (IOE) > Non-Initial Teacher Education (Non-ITE)
Additional Information:	Chloe-Rose Cutler, Andrea Mallaburn, David W. Putwain & Angela Daly, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	24 Apr 2019 15:56
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2024 08:46
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/4659

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