Are test-based policies in the schools associated with burnout and bullying? A study of direct and indirect associations with pupil-teacher ratio as a moderator

Abstract

Research is lacking regarding how teachers’ perceptions of a performance goal structure, relate to teacher and student outcomes. Thus, the present study examined associations among performance goal structure, teacher burnout, and bullying among students, and further whether pupil-teacher ratio moderated the relation between teacher burnout and bullying. 300 class teachers from 150 schools participated in the project, and structural equation modeling was applied. Results revealed significant associations among performance goal structure, teacher burnout, and bullying. However, having an additional teacher in the classroom did not moderate the association between burnout and bullying.