Back on the train!

Tonight's class got me thinking about the next step in my research project.  While trying to whittle down the various factors that relate to student motivation, I am left with two options that peak my interest: 1) the effects of relationship building in improving student behavior and 2) developing intrinsic motivation in high school students. While I am still not sure which direction I am going, both of these subjects are very important to me as I attempt to address the challenges facing teachers and students in the classroom. I have several low achieving students whose main problem (from what I perceive) seems to be a lack of belief in themselves or a lack of direction for their future.  I have found it difficult, year in and year out, to motivate these students who don't believe that they can achieve at a high level since their peers have passed them by and those who lack any direction in planning for their future.  On the other hand, I find that students of mine who I get along with well (since I focus on respect and a non-confrontational approach) often misbehave in other teachers' classes.  Not to say these students act perfect in my class, but I really do not have the frequent issues with disrespect that many other teachers seem to have with these students. I am looking for a way to develop tools to track student self-efficacy or goal-setting as well as trying to wrap my head exactly how I could measure student behavioral improvement that is correlated to a specific fostering of a positive teacher-student relationship.  Any ideas would be appreciated:)