Microscopic relational analysis: a method for researching the teacher-student relationship

During the last decades, a large body of research has contributed to knowledge on teacher-student relationship (TSR). However, more is needed regarding TSR as constructed in interaction and developing methods for investigating such processes. This paper outlines method detailed, close interpretation analysis TSR, tentatively labelled ‘Microscopic Relational Analysis’ (MRA). It discusses MRA’s relevance studying how MRA can be conducted. The following five themes principles are discussed illustrated through previous ongoing studies: (1) focuses dynamic phenomenon, social bond that continuously changes interaction; (2) explores connections between microworld classroom, i.e. processes beneath surface (3) implies oscillation smaller parts greater wholes; it includes meticulous transcriptions interaction, interpretations about qualities TSR; (4) acknowledges teachers’ students’ subjective experiences their thoughts, feelings, intentions; (5) primarily uses video recordings; material enables detailed descriptions, analyses, built sequence by interaction. Implications researchers, teacher educators, in-service teachers provided.