Teachers' Caring Behaviors Influence Students' Behavior and Grades

This study examines whether teacher caring makes a significant difference in students' grades and behavior. Bulach's (1998), Deiro's (1996), and Nodding's (1992) research on caring demonstrates that when students perceive their teachers as caring, their grades and behavior are positively influenced. The researcher utilizes Bulach's survey, "Characteristics of Teachers Caring Behaviors," to analyze 26 teachers' caring behaviors. Results show the influence of teacher caring on students' grades and behavior. High levels of anxiety-reducing behaviors show statistical significance with academic grades. There is also a high correlation between each of the five caring factors and average caring.