The Teacher–Student Quadrant: Balancing Goals and Relationships in Education

Author: Dr. Hossein Talebzadeh
Faculty Member, Farhangian University
Date: October 4, 2025

Abstract

This article introduces a framework for understanding teacher–student interactions through four zones, based on two dimensions: achievement of goals and preservation of relationships. Each zone reflects a different teaching tactic, ranging from compromise to competition, yielding, and indifference. The framework highlights how balancing goals and relationships can shape effective learning environments.