Feeling of Mattering from Teaching: Elementary Teacheres' Experiences

Abstract

The teachers are main part of the teaching-learning process so we can extract valuable information from their life experiences. The main purpose of this study was experience of elementary teachers from mattering. This qualitative research had done by phenomenology method. Data collection method was semi-structured interviews. Accordingly; 14 elementary school teachers were selected based on the criteria for entering the research. Interviews analyzed based on Colaizzi method and thematic analysis. After subject extracting and categorizing, findings were identified in 3 main themed: Influencing students, self-esteem and belonging to the education system and 9 subs themed. Examining elementary teachers life experiences showed that teachers with the feeling of mattering from teaching will prevent mental exhaustion and will meet some of their social needs.The teachers are main part of the teaching-learning process so we can extract valuable information from their life experiences. The main purpose of this study was experience of elementary teachers from mattering. This qualitative research had done by phenomenology method. Data collection method was semi-structured interviews. Accordingly; 14 elementary school teachers were selected based on the criteria for entering the research. Interviews analyzed based on Colaizzi method and thematic analysis. After subject extracting and categorizing, findings were identified in 3 main themed: Influencing students, self-esteem and belonging to the education system and 9 subs themed. Examining elementary teachers life experiences showed that teachers with the feeling of mattering from teaching will prevent mental exhaustion and will meet some of their social needs.

Keywords

• mattering
• teaching
• experience
• elementary teachers