Transitioning from Stereotypical Judgments to Reflective Actions: The Process of Change in Elementary School Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices in Dealing with Unmotivated Students

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

2 دانشجوی کارشناسی، گروه علوم تربیتی، دانشگاه فرهنگیان، پردیس شهید هاشمی نژاد مشهدUndergraduate Student, Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

3 Undergraduate Student, Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

10.48310/istt.2026.23713.1278

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Low motivation among elementary school students is a common and complex challenge that can negatively affect the quality of learning, classroom participation, and classroom interactions.The purpose of this study was to investigate elementary teachers’ perceptions of unmotivated students and the strategies they employ when dealing with unmotivated learners.
Methods: A qualitative approach and a narrative inquiry method were used. The study population consisted of elementary school teachers across the seven educational districts of Mashhad. From this population, 25 teachers were selected through purposeful random sampling and based on theoretical saturation. From each district, at least one novice teacher (a Farhangian University graduate within the past five years) and one experienced teacher were included. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis.
Findings: The findings indicated that teachers’ perceptions and actions in interacting with unmotivated students can be represented within a three stage developmental model. All teachers appeared to experience a relatively similar process: (1) superficial perceptions accompanied by control oriented actions, (2) a reality shock coupled with reflective doubt, and (3) reflection followed by professionally grounded practices.
Conclusion: The results illustrate how, with accumulated teaching experience, gradual changes in “perception or understanding of the problem” lead to corresponding changes in “professional action.”

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 09 July 2026
  • Revise Date: 20 August 2026
  • Accept Date: 05 September 2026
  • First Publish Date: 05 September 2026
  • Publish Date: 23 July 2026

Share

How to cite

Statistics