| Educational policy has caused the focus of schooling to move from teaching students to teacher accountability. Research into the affects of teachers' caring behavior indicates that students perform for teachers who they perceive care about them. Students identify a need for relationships or support systems in their lives to motivate them toward achievement. Through the development of relationships and a social contract students are motivated to achieve and to develop a positive self-concept. Perhaps the solution to today's educational challenges lies somewhere between teaching and fostering relationships with students, and raising expectations for performance. |
