International Study Shows: Teacher's Mood Significantly Influences Learning Success

The Vicious Cycle of Anger and the Virtuous Cycle of Joy

Teachers' emotions do not directly affect grades but indirectly through the quality of instruction. The three components of teaching quality examined – classroom management, teacher-student relationships, and cognitively challenging instruction – lead to better student evaluations of the teaching and indirectly improve student performance by increasing self-efficacy and interest.

The researchers describe a "vicious cycle" where a teacher's anger leads to poorer instruction, lower student achievement, and consequently, more frequent anger in the teacher. This is contrasted by a "virtuous cycle" where a teacher's joy is reinforced by positive student reactions.

The effects of teacher emotions on teaching quality proved to be cross-culturally consistent. The correlations were equally demonstrable in all eight countries studied.

Recommendations for Better Working Conditions and Professional Development

The study's authors conclude that teachers' emotional state is a central factor for learning success. They therefore recommend improved working conditions for teachers, such as stronger support from school social workers and more realistic time and curriculum requirements.

Additionally, the researchers advise professional development measures in the area of emotion regulation for teachers. These include mindfulness training, resilience training, or supervision sessions, among others.

The article by Richard Friebe appears in Tagesspiegel Plus, the newspaper's paid offering. ARD Audio-Programm also reported on the topic on June 1, 2026, at 2:22 PM.

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