Students’ Expectations and Students’ Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Excellent Teacher Behaviors

Abstract

This study sought to investigate whether teacher behaviors, within the Teacher Behavior Checklist dimensions of caring and supportive and professional competency and communication skills, relate to students’ satisfaction. Additionally, it assessed the influence of the importance students set on teacher behaviors on students’ satisfaction. Cross-sectional survey data were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression and mediation analysis. Results suggested teacher behaviors within the caring and supportive dimension is the dominant predictor of students’ satisfaction. Behaviors according to professional competency and communication skills were also related to students’ satisfaction but to a lesser degree. Results showed that students’ importance for behaviors did mediate the relationship between teacher behaviors and students’ satisfaction with both caring and supportive and professional competency and communication skills. Theoretical and practical implications for excellent teacher behaviors are discussed including recommendations for future research.