Attribution theor y - interview

Attribution Theory External Causes “ INTERVIEW “ Reyad m. Ibrahim

Behavior is a result of responses to stimuli in the community and environment as well. This behavior will either be strengthened and increased in the future, or weakened, decreased or disappeared.

Our teachers show different behaviors depending on the situation , the surrounding environment , other external factors. All of these behaviors were studied by several theories, which not only tried to interpret human beings’ behaviors and actions but also sought to predict the these behavior patterns.

One of these theory is the Attribution Theory. This theory discussed several aspects of behavior, namely, what is attributable to teachers’ success or failure in teaching? In an interview, I asked several teachers and discussed with them this theory . Some attributed their success and failure as well to external factor, such as the students’ immediate environment and their motivation to learning.

Their response regarding success is a direct opposition to what we hear when some teachers succeed or make an exceptional achievements at school . In such cases, we hear people saying this “’ my hard work, my intelligence, my effort etc.’’ However, in cases of failure , we find them saying “ the curriculum is difficult and time is short, or that there are other factors such as environment , family” Sometimes, they may blame the” neighbor’s wedding party, their hard luck.” Many of those , in general, accredit their failure to of their hard luck and bad omen. Yet one may propose that the reasons behind failure is lack of will, perseverance , hard work or perhaps teacher’s academic level. Efforts exerted in preparing for lessons and the amount of energy and commitment demonstrated in the classroom setting also matter when it comes to success. Teachers should believe in their ability to overcome those difficulties and to move toward progress . For teachers can do well provided that they are , ably qualified, well- prepared and energetic to do the teaching task. As illustrated above, it is very clear that teacher’s internal factors , such as effort, ability, qualification, energy and commitment , are the key to success whereas the external factors such as luck , stress, external pressures related to teachers, students and principal, though somewhat important, are not the most significant factors in scorning success or causing failure.

According to attribution theory, these factors are classified either as stable or unstable, or controllable or uncontrollable

INTERVIEW

I interviewed 15 teachers and I asked them about the reasons behind the poor performance their students put in the tawjehi exam. The questionnaire items were as follows 1. Do you think the exam is a good measurement tool for your students abilities? 2. Do your students suffer from anxiety before or during the exam? 3. Do you think that the time of the test appropriate for the exam?

4. What is the reason behind the low marks your students score at the Tawjihi ?

5. Do you sometimes have a strong feeling not to go to school? why? 6.Would you like to change your current job?

Note: these questions discusses the external causes

1. 12 from 15 said that the exam is above the student ability( Beyond the capacity of students) .

2. 13 from 15 said that their students suffer from anxiety before or during the exam .

3. 9 from 15 said that the time is appropriate for the exam

4. The main reason behind the low marks in the exam was the students themselves.

5. 13 from 15 said yes for q5 but there is nothing to do except teaching ( That is , they are forced to be in this job) ; They think the ‘salary is not enough” , the relationship between the teachers and students is not satisfactory , the collegial bond among teachers themselves and the administration is equally demoralizing, and finally the quality of students is inferior.

6. 13 from 15 said yes

It is quite imperative on the part of teachers to know that these causes are external; they are not major factors. Teachers must be convinced that increasing the level of their energy and adopting a new attitude toward others will inevitably will lead to a radical change in the kind of the relationships that have with the students and fellow teachers alike. When they spend more time with my students will improve my relationship with them. When a teacher’s relation with his students is improved , his influence and presence will be more acceptable and even desirable , and so are the behavior of his students and academic performance.

Another point must be addressed in this respect. It is the faith of teachers in their abilities. In fact, they believe that can effect a change , they will definitely do it. This, in turn, will bring about the desired in change in their students’ behavior, be it academically, morally or even behaviorally .