Abstract

Much research on collective teacher efficacy focuses on outcomes, mainly the benefits to students. However, there is no research that explores how teacher teams enact the theoretical antecedents to collective efficacy set out by Bandura (1977, 1993), namely vicarious learning, verbal persuasion, psychological arousal, and mastery experiences, to make such achievements possible. This qualitative study explores the experiences of two teams of secondary language arts teachers who were collectively efficacious and how they operationalized Bandura's theoretical antecedents of collective teacher efficacy in becoming so. After verification of levels of personal and collective efficacy, team interviews were held specifically addressing the implementation of the four antecedents. Interview transcripts were coded and restoried, highlighting critical incidents in the process of becoming collectively efficacious. The findings for these two teams show an incomplete understanding of collective efficacy. It is often thought that enacting the four antecedents will result in a collectively efficacious team; however, my study demonstrates that teachers must become effective teacher teams before they could develop collective teacher efficacy. My findings indicate that relationships among team members are crucial for successful implementation of other elements. Implications for administrators revolve around their important role in helping teachers develop collegial relationships with each other. Team relationships can also have a significant impact on novice teachers when proper mentoring and support are provided.

Degree

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Teacher Education

Rights

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