The formation of human relationships between teachers and students, students and colleagues in Choice Theory psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the change of thinking and behavior of teachers who learn Choice Theory psychology and practice it in the educational setting, and to consider that study of Choice Theory is effective for building relationships with others and maintaining motivation for work. We practiced the theory of choice in X prefecture at the educational setting, conducted semi-structured interviews with three teachers who worked in elementary school or junior high school, or had work experience, and analyzed using SCAT (Steps for Coding and Theorization). As a result, (1) with regard to the relationship with children and students, every teacher changes his or her own thinking and behaviors and engages in satisfying the children’s and students’ “love-belonging needs” to build good human relationships with children and students. They seemed to be trying to fulfill their own “love-belonging needs”. (2) Regarding the relationship with colleagues, each teacher understands them through daily communication rather than keeping a psychological distance from colleagues who are different from their own thoughts and colleagues isolated from the surroundings, and reflects on their thoughts. I was doing it. This caused changes only in the thinking and behavior of colleagues. As a result, the teachers who learned the Choice Theory showed a willingness to work enthusiastically.