Reviewing a practitioner enquiry: collective efficacy
Throughout this enquiry cycle we have encouraged you to reflect on your own professional learning journey.
Research has shown that educators change their beliefs through changing their practice and reflecting on the result (Guskey 1986). Therefore effective professional learning should not only impact upon learners but also upon the professional development and identity of the educator themselves.
We have curated a list of resources to help you consider collective efficacy, the purpose of education and the connection between our learning as educators and the learning of our learners.
This is central to the National Model of Professional Learning which states that the educator’s professional learning should be informed by the learner’s experience, voice and needs. In turn, the professional learning of the educator should impact positively upon the experiences of learners.
The concept of collective efficacy is rooted in Albert Bandura's ideas of self-efficacy. He defines collective efficacy as “a group’s shared belief in the conjoint capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to produce given levels of attainment.”
Bandura found that the positive effects of collective efficacy on academic performance outweighs the negative effects of low socioeconomic status.
Although this research was conducted with teachers, we feel that the concept of collective efficacy demonstrates what it means to be an educator leader. Through our shared actions we will make a positive impact on our learners, their families, our local community and the education system.
The videos below will help you consider collective efficacy, the purpose of education and the connection between our learning as educators and the learning of our learners.
This is central to the National Model of Professional Learning which states that the educator’s professional learning should be informed by the learner’s experience, voice and needs. In turn, the professional learning of the educator should impact positively upon the experiences of learners.
Please note the majority of these researchers have looked at the impact on teachers. However the concepts are applicable to all educators.
Video resources
Foundations of Collective Efficacy
PD Models to support Collective Efficacy
Information About What Works Best For Learning (visible-learning.org)
