tandfonline.com – In pursuit of primary teachers’ work motivation amid increased external neoliberal pressure in education

ABSTRACT

This study explored factors that were important to primary teachers’ motivation due to increased pressure caused by changes associated with a global neoliberal movement. A questionnaire (n = 243) was conducted to gain an overview of factors causing pressure on teachers. Interviews (n = 13) were conducted to reveal factors relevant to teachers’ motivation in the past, present, and future. The study indicated that teachers, regardless of type of motivation, felt the same extent of external control and experienced similar reasons for pressure. The study showed that autonomous motivation was more present than controlled motivation, and that the teachers emphasised support rather than external pressure. The study also found that a type of motivation could change due to the application of a variety of coping strategies. Therefore, when teachers experience external pressures, they benefit from consistent support.