A1 Journal article (refereed)
Understanding teachers’ mental models of collaboration to enhance the learning community (2022)

Toikka, T., & Tarnanen, M. (2022). Understanding teachers’ mental models of collaboration to enhance the learning community. Educational Studies, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2022.2052809

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Toikka, Teppo; Tarnanen, Mirja

Journal or series: Educational Studies

ISSN: 0305-5698

eISSN: 1465-3400

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 21/03/2022

Volume: Early online

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2022.2052809

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/80403

Abstract

This study examined representations of Finnish basic education teachers’ mental models of collaboration to reveal the background features that enable or hinder changes in a school community and teacher collaboration. In this case study, we explored 41 teachers’ mental models of collaboration in a one-school community to identify and understand the features that enhance or challenge collaboration. The findings raise the question of how collaboration can support a school’s transition to a unified comprehensive school, when teachers are accustomed to working alone with a strong sense of autonomy and diverse mental models of collaboration. The findings revealed that collaboration is mainly limited to planning and sharing ideas and that teachers’ involvement in administrative work limits pedagogical discussions between teachers. Our findings suggest that the mental models examined may play a crucial role in building a school’s collaborative culture, promoting curriculum principles and developing a learning community.

Keywords: teachers; cooperation (general); communality; interaction; learning environment; school community; teacherhood; mental properties; school system; primary and lower secondary education; development (active)

Free keywords: mental models; collaboration; learning community; school development

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1