Document Type : Orginal Articles
Author
Soran University
Abstract
The teacher–student relationship plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic performance and overall educational experience. Positive relationships are associated with enhanced motivation, better engagement, and higher achievement, while negative relationships may hinder learning and reduce academic outcomes. In higher education, fostering constructive communication between teachers and students is essential for promoting quality learning environments. Despite its significance, this topic remains under-researched in the context of Iraqi Kurdistan. This study explores the nature, perceptions, and implications of teacher–student relationships in the region’s higher education institutions. Using a grounded theory methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen students and eight teachers from various disciplines. The data were thematically analysed to identify patterns in participants’ experiences and attitudes. Drawing upon the perspectives of both students and teachers, several key findings emerged. While respect and professionalism were highly valued, they were not consistently demonstrated, mismatches were identified and led to gaps to trust. Fairness in assessment and gender equity were identified as major concerns. Students frequently felt unsupported in their learning due to a lack of clear communication and feedback. Teachers were offering limited emotional support, and were also less patient due to external challenges influencing classroom dynamics. Blurred boundaries on social media and in public gatherings created doubts about professionalism. These findings have significant implications for higher education, specifically in areas of professional development, institutional policies, teacher welfare, and cultural sensitivity. Finally, a region-wide survey is needed to assess the current state of teacher-student relationships in higher education institutions.
Keywords
Article Title [کوردی]
Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship in the Context of Higher Education in Iraqi Kurdistan
Author [کوردی]
- على یوسف عزیز
زانکۆى سۆران
Abstract [کوردی]
The teacher–student relationship plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic performance and overall educational experience. Positive relationships are associated with enhanced motivation, better engagement, and higher achievement, while negative relationships may hinder learning and reduce academic outcomes. In higher education, fostering constructive communication between teachers and students is essential for promoting quality learning environments. Despite its significance, this topic remains under-researched in the context of Iraqi Kurdistan. This study explores the nature, perceptions, and implications of teacher–student relationships in the region’s higher education institutions. Using a grounded theory methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen students and eight teachers from various disciplines. The data were thematically analysed to identify patterns in participants’ experiences and attitudes. Drawing upon the perspectives of both students and teachers, several key findings emerged. While respect and professionalism were highly valued, they were not consistently demonstrated, mismatches were identified and led to gaps to trust. Fairness in assessment and gender equity were identified as major concerns. Students frequently felt unsupported in their learning due to a lack of clear communication and feedback. Teachers were offering limited emotional support, and were also less patient due to external challenges influencing classroom dynamics. Blurred boundaries on social media and in public gatherings created doubts about professionalism. These findings have significant implications for higher education, specifically in areas of professional development, institutional policies, teacher welfare, and cultural sensitivity. Finally, a region-wide survey is needed to assess the current state of teacher-student relationships in higher education institutions.
Keywords [کوردی]
- Teacher-Student Relationship
- Higher Education
- professionalism and Fairness
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