From words to action: how teacher language shapes student success

...with Prof David Putwain, Dr Laura Nicholson and Mahdi Moazzen

This episode is a lively discussion with educational researchers Prof. David Putwain, Dr. Laura Nicholson, and Mahdi Moazzen. We explored how teachers’ language and message framing influence student motivation, engagement, and resilience. The conversation covered research on positive messaging in science classes, the impact of gain- versus loss-framed messages, and the role of coping strategies in academic buoyancy. We also discussed practical implications for teachers in the classroom and the potential of technology to support personal reflection and positive communication. The episode offered valuable insights into fostering student success through thoughtful, adaptive teacher messaging and support.

For David's previous interview you can listen here:  https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/where-education-and-psychology-meet

Key points:

• Impact of teacher messaging on student motivation and engagement
• Importance of positive, value-laden language in science education
• Relationship between teacher messaging and students' academic resilience
• Differences in student responses to positive versus negative messaging
• Role of individual differences in student sensitivity to messaging
• Coping strategies and academic buoyancy in upper secondary students
• Distinction between positive and negative coping strategies
• Influence of socioeconomic status and cultural factors on student perceptions
• Need for teacher training to promote positive messaging
• Practical implications for supporting students through academic challenges and transitions