Skip to main content
Log in

Why teachers cooperate: an expectancy-value model of teacher cooperation

  • Published:
European Journal of Psychology of Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

While cooperation among teachers is considered an important indicator of school quality, the empirical evidence on the efficacy of teacher cooperation is manifold. Some findings show that cooperation leads to improvements in teachers’ professionalization by reducing stress, while others show positive effects with regard to students’ academic performance. In order to better comprehend – and ultimately promote – cooperation among teachers, conditions of successful cooperation – such as voluntariness, shared objectives, and trust – have been identified. Thus far, however, research has not focused on the individual motivations of teaching staff in terms of why they do or do not cooperate. To explore this topic both theoretically and empirically, an expectancy-value model will be employed. The theoretically derived model is tested empirically by means of a structural equation model using data gathered in the German [place holder] project (N = 582). The results indicate that the subjective value component, in particular personal relevance, is the decisive factor in determining why teachers cooperate in teaching-related forms of cooperation. It is therefore key for all forms of cooperation that the individual teacher voluntarily wants to cooperate and shows interest in doing so. No relationship is found between the expectation of success and cooperation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. Translated from German for reasons of comprehensibility.

  2. Translated for purposes of comprehensibility.

References

  • Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-T.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ancess, J. (2000). The reciprocal influence of teacher learning, teaching practice, school restructuring, and student learning outcomes. Teachers College Record, 102(3), 590–619. https://doi.org/10.1111/0161-4681.00069.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Areepattamannil, S., Freeman, J. G., & Klinger, D. A. (2011). Intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and academic achievement among Indian adolescents in Canada and India. Social Psychology of Education, 14(3), 427–439. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-011-9155-1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Argyle, M. (2014). Cooperation: The basis of sociability. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Atkinson, J. W. (1957). Motivational determinants of risk-taking behavior. Psychological Review, 64(6), 359–372. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0043445.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bos, W., Bonsen, M., Gröhlich, C., Guill, K. & Scharenberg, K. (2009). KESS 7 – Skalenhandbuch zur Dokumentation der Erhebungsinstrumente [KESS 7 - Scales handbook for the documentation of survey instruments]. Münster: Waxmann.

  • Brown, T. A. (2006). Confirmatory factor analysis for applied research. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burbank, M. D., & Kauchak, D. (2003). An alternative model for professional development: Investigations into effective collaboration. Teaching and Teacher Education, 19(5), 499–514. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0742-051X(03)00048-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bush, T., & Glover, D. (2014). School leadership models: What do we know? School Leadership & Management, 34(5), 553–571. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2014.928680.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Butler, R. (2007). Teachers‘ achievement goal orientation and association with teachers‘ help-seeking: Examination of a novel approach to teacher motivation. Journal of Educational Psychology, 99(2), 241–252. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.99.2.241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Butler, D. L., Lauscher, H. N., Jarvis-Selinger, S., & Beckingham, B. (2004). Collaboration and self-regulation in teachers’ professional development. Teaching and Teacher Education, 20(5), 435–455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2004.04.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Canrinus, E. T., Helms-Lorenz, M., Beijaard, D., Buitink, J., & Hofman, A. (2012). Self-efficacy, job satisfaction, motivation and commitment: Exploring the relationships between indicators of teachers‘ professional identity. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 27, 115–132.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caprara, G. V., Barbaranelli, C., Borgogni, L., Petitta, L., & Rubinacci, A. (2003). Teachers’, school staff’s and parents’ efficacy beliefs as determinants of attitudes toward school. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 18(1), 15–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chan, C. K. K., Law, N., & van Aalst, J. (2008). Developing principle-based understanding for knowledge building in a teacher community. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New York.

  • Cochran-Smith, M., & Zeichner, K. (2005). Studying teacher education: The report of the AERA panel on research and teacher education. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cook, J. W. (2014). Sustainable school leadership: The teachers’ perspective. International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, 9(1).

  • DeBacker, T. K., & Nelson, R. M. (1999). Variations on an expectancy-value model of motivation in science. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 24(2), 71–94. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1998.0984.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dempsey, J. M., Kimiecik, J. C., & Horn, T. S. (1993). Parental influence on children’s moderate to vigorous physical activity participation: An expectancy-value approach. Pediatric Exercise Science, 5(2), 151–167. https://doi.org/10.1123/pes.5.2.151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diekmann, A., & Lindenberg, S. (2001). Cooperation: Sociological aspects. International encyclopedia of the social and behavioral sciences (Vol. 4). Oxford: Pergramon-Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • DuFour, R. (2011). Work together but only if you want to. Phi Delta Kappan, 92(5), 57–61. https://doi.org/10.1177/003172171109200513.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eccles, J. S. (1994). Understanding women's educational and occupational choices: Applying the Eccles et al. model of achievement-related choices. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 18(4), 585–609. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.1994.tb01049.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eccles, J. S., & Wigfield, A. (2002). Motivational beliefs, values, and goals. Annual Review of Psychology, 53, 109–132. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.53.100901.135153.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eccles, J. S., Adler, T. F., Futterman, R., Goff, S. B., Kaczala, C. M., & Meece, J. L. (1983). Expectancies, values, and academic behaviors. In J. T. Spence (Ed.), Achievement and achievement motivation (pp. 75–146). San Francisco: W.H. Freeman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Egodawatte, G., McDougall, D., & Stoilescu, D. (2011). The effects of teacher collaboration in grade 9 applied mathematics. Educational Research for Policy and Practice, 10(3), 189–209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10671-011-9104-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fussangel, K. (2008). Subjektive Theorien von Lehrkräften zur Kooperation. Eine Analyse der Zusammenarbeit von Lehrerinnen und Lehrern in Lerngemeinschaften. Wuppertal. elpub.bib.uniwuppertal.de/edocs/dokumente/fbg/paedagogik/diss2008/fussangel/.

  • Fussangel, K., & Dizinger, V. (2014). The challenge of change? Developing all-day schools and its implications for teacher stress. The Journal of Educational Research, 6(3), 115–133.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gemma, P. (2015). Teachers’ autonomy. Research in Education, 93(1), 19–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goddard, Y. L., Goddard, R. D., & Tschannen-Moran, M. (2007). A theoretical and empirical investigation of teacher collaboration for school improvement and student achievement in public elementary schools. Teachers College Record, 109(4), 877–896.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gräsel, C., Fussangel, K., & Pröbstel, C. (2006). Lehrkräfte zur Kooperation anregen – Eine Aufgabe für Sisyphos? [encouraging cooperation between teachers - a Sisyphean task?]. Zeitschrift für Pädagogik, 52(2), 205–219.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gumus, S., Bulut, O., & Bellibas, M. S. (2013). The relationship between principal leadership and teacher collaboration in Turkish primary schools: A multilevel analysis. Education Research and Perspectives, 40, 1–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, M. L., & Richardson, V. (1995). Effects of the culture in two schools on the process and outcomes of staff development. Elementary School Journal, 95(4), 367–385.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harazd, B., & Drossel, K. (2011). Formen der Lehrerkooperation und ihre schulischen Bedingungen – Empirische Untersuchung zur kollegialen Zusammenarbeit und Schulleitungshandeln [Forms of teacher cooperation and their educational conditions - Empirical research on collegial cooperation and school leadership]. Empirische Pädagogik, 25(2), S. 145–160.

  • Homburg, C., & Pflesser, C. (2008). Strukturgleichungsmodelle mit latenten Variablen: Kausalanalyse [structural equation models with latent variables: Analysis of causality]. In A. Herrmann, C. Homburg, & M. Klarmann (Eds.), Marktforschung: Methoden, Anwendungen, Praxisbeispiele [market research: Methods, applications, practical examples] (pp. 633–659). Wiesbaden: Gabler.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hord, S. M. (1997). Professional learning communities. Communities of continous inquiry and improvement. Austin: Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hudson, P., Hudson, S., Gray, B., & Bloxham, R. (2013). Learning about being effective mentors: Professional learning communities and mentoring. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 93, 1291–1300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.10.031.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelchtermans, G. (2006). Teacher collaboration and collegiality as workplace conditions. Zeitschrift für Pädagogik, 52(2), 220–237.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keller-Schneider, M., & Albisser, S. (2013). Kooperation von Lehrpersonen und die Bedeutung individueller und kollektiver Ressourcen [cooperation of teachers and the importance of individual and collective resources]. In M. Keller-Schneider, S. Albisser, & J. Wissinger (Eds.), Professionalität und Kooperation in Schulen. Beiträge zur Diskussion über Schulqualität (pp. 33–56). Klinkhardt: Bad Heilbrunn.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiliç, S., Demir, I., & Ünal, H. (2011). Teachers co-learning through mutual collaboration and students’ mathematics performance in TIMSS 2007. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 15, 3258–3262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.04.281.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kullmann, H. (2012). Erwünschte Charakteristika von partner/−innen für Lehrerkooperation. Eine empirische analyse anhand der Selbstbestimmungstheorie der motivation [desired characteristics of teacher co-operation partners. An empirical analysis based on the self-determination theory of motivation]. In E. Baum, T. Idel, & H. Ullrich (Eds.), Kollegialität und Kooperation in der Schule. Theoretische Konzepte und empirische Befunde (pp. 77–89). VS Verlag: Wiesbaden.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J. C., Zhang, Z., & Yin, H. (2011). A multilevel analysis of the impact of a professional learning community, faculty trust in colleagues and collective efficacy on teacher commitment to students. Teaching and Teacher Education, 27(5), 820–830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2011.01.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, P. (2015). Motivating teachers‘ commitment to change through transformational school leadership in Chinese urban upper secondary schools. Journal of Educational Administration, 53(6), 735–754. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-02-2014-0026.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lomos, C., Hofman, R. H., & Bosker, R. J. (2011). Professional communities and student achievement – A meta-analysis. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 22(2), 121–148. https://doi.org/10.1080/09243453.2010.550467.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Louis, K. S., Marks, H. M., & Kruse, S. (1996). Teachers’ professional community in restructuring schools. American Educational Research Journal, 33(4), 757–798. https://doi.org/10.3102/00028312033004757.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Love, N. (2009). Building a high-performing data culture. In N. Love (Ed.), Using data to improve learning for all. A collaborative inquiry approach (pp. 2–24). Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh, H. W., Shavelson, R. J., & Byrne, B. M. (1992). A multidimensional, hierarchical self concept. In R. P. Lipka & T. M. Brinthaupt (Eds.), Studying the self. Self-perspectives across the life-span (pp. 44–95). Albany: State University of New York Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mattessich, P. W., & Monsey, B. R. (1992). Collaboration: What makes it work. St. Paul: Amherst H. Wilder Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • McClelland, D. (1987). Human motivation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, R. J., Goddard, Y. L., Goddard, R., Larsen, R., & Jacob, R. (2010). Instructional leadership. A pathway to teacher collaboration and student achievement. Paper presented at the University Council for Educational Administration Convention, New Orleans, LA.

  • Moolenaar, N. M., Sleegers, P. J. C., & Daly, A. J. (2012). Teaming up: Linking collaboration networks, collective efficacy, and student achievement. Teaching and Teacher Education, 28(2), 251–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2011.10.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muthén, L. K., & Muthén, B. O. (2010). Mplus user’s guide. Los Angeles: Muthén & Muthén.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, N. W., & Kinnucan-Welsch, K. (1992). Curriculum-based collaboration. What is changing? ASHA, 34(11), 45–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nias, J., Southworth, G., & Yeomans, R. (1989). Staff relationships in the primary school. London: Cassell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nye, J. S., & Welch, D. A. (2013). Understanding global conflict and cooperation: An introduction to theory and history. Boston: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olk, T., Speck, K., & Stimpel. (2011). Professionelle Kooperation unterschiedlicher Berufskulturen - Zentrale Befunde eines qualitativen Forschungsprojektes [professional cooperation of different professional cultures - central findings of a qualitative research project]. Zeitschrift für Erziehungswissenschaft, 14(3), 63–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pröbstel, C. H., & Soltau, A. (2012). Wieso Lehrkräfte (nicht) kooperieren. Die Bedeutung “personaler Faktoren” in der Zusammenarbeit am Arbeitsplatz Schule [why teachers do (not) cooperate. The significance of “personal factors” for the collaboration at the workplace that is school]. In E. Baum, T. Idel, & H. Ullrich (Eds.), Kollegialität und kooperation in der Schule. Theoretische Konzepte und Empirische Befunde [collegiality and cooperation at school. Theoretical concepts and empirical findings] (pp. 55–75). Wiesbaden: VS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ring, P. S., & van de Ven, A. H. (1994). Developmental processes of cooperative interorganizational relationships. Academy of Management Review, 19(1), 90–118. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMR.1994.9410122009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ronfeldt, M., Farmer, S. O., McQueen, K., & Grissom, J. A. (2015). Teacher collaboration in instructional teams and student achievement. American Educational Research Journal, 52(3), 475–514. https://doi.org/10.3102/0002831215585562.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scheerens, J. (1990). School effectiveness research and the development of process indicators of school functioning. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 1(1), 61–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/0924345900010106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schratz, M. (1998). Schulleitung als Changeagent: Vom verwalten zum gestalten von schule [The school administration as an agent of change: From administering to shaping school]. In H. Altrichter, W. Schley, & M. Schratz (Eds.), Handbuch der Schulentwicklung [manual of school development] (pp. 160–189). Innsbruck, Austria: Studienverlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwarzer, R. (1993). Measurement of perceived self-efficacy. Psychometric scales for cross-cultural research. Berlin: Free University of Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spieß, E. (2004). Kooperation und Konflikt [cooperation and conflict]. In H. Schuler (Ed.), Enzyklopädie der Psychologie/Organisationspsychologie [encyclopedia of psychology and organizational psychology] (pp. 193–250). Göttingen: Hogrefe.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinert, B., Klieme, E., Maag Merki, K., Döbrich, P., Halbheer, U., & Kunz, A. (2006). Lehrerkooperation in der Schule: Konzeption, Erfassung, Ergebnisse [teacher cooperation at school: Conception, data collection, results]. Zeitschrift für Pädagogik, 52(2), 185–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vangrieken, K., Dochy, F., Raes, E., & Kyndt, E. (2015). Teacher collaboration: A systematic review. Educational Research Review, 15, 17–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2015.04.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vangrieken, K., Dochy, F., & Raes, E. (2016). Team learning in teacher teams: Team entitativity as a bridge between teams-in-theory and teams-in-practice. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 31, 275–298.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vangrieken, K., Meredith, C., Packer, T., & Kyndt, E. (2017). Teacher communities as a context for professional development: A systematic review. Teaching and Teacher Education, 61, 47–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.10.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vescio, V., Ross, D., & Adams, A. (2008). A review of research on the impact of professional learning communities on teaching practice and student learning. Teaching and Teacher Education, 24(1), 80–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2007.01.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • von Blanckenburg, C., von Böhm, B., Dienel, H.-L., & Legewie, H. (2005). Leitfaden für interdisziplinäre Forschergruppen: Projekte initiieren¬ Zusammenarbeit gestalten [a manual for interdisciplinary research groups: Initiating projects, shaping collaboration]. Stuttgart: Steiner.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, C. O., Greene, B. A., & Mansell, R. A. (2006). Identification with academics, intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy as predictors of cognitive engagement. Learning and Individual Differences, 16(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2005.06.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watt, H. M. G., & Richardson, P. W. (2007). Motivational factors influencing teaching as a career choice: Development and validation of the FIT-choice scale. Journal of Experimental Education, 75, 167–202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watt, H. M. G. & Richardson, P. W. (Guest Eds.). (2012). Teaching motivations in different countries: Comparisons using the FIT-choice scale. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 40(3).

  • Weiner, B. (1980). Human motivation. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wendt, H., & Bos, W. (Hrsg.). (2015). Auf dem Weg zum Ganztagsgymnasium. Erste Ergebnisse der wissenschaftlichen Begleitforschung zum Projekt Ganz In [On the way to the Ganztagsgymnasium. First results of scientific accompanying research on the project Ganz In]. Münster: Waxmann.

  • Wigfield, A. (1994). Expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation: A developmental perspective. Educational Psychology Review, 6(1), 49–78. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02209024.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wigfield, A., & Eccles, J. S. (2000). Expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 68–81. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wimberley, C. E. (2011). Teacher collaboration and student achievement (doctoral dissertation). St. Charles: Lindenwood University Retrieved from http://gradworks.umi.com/34/90/3490620.html .

    Google Scholar 

  • Wunderer, R. (2011). Führung und Zusammenarbeit. Eine unternehmerische Führungslehre [Leadership and cooperation. Enterpreneurial leadership training]. Munich: Luchterhand.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kerstin Drossel.

Additional information

Kerstin Drossel, Dr. phil., Paderborn University, Institute of Educational Science, kdrossel@mail.upb.de; Warburger Str. 100 33,098 Paderborn, Germany

Current themes of research:

Teacher collaboration and multi-professional cooperation. Social disparities. Teacher profession(alism). School administration conduct / actions. Motivation. Large-scale assessments. Regional educational landscapes. New technologies

Most relevant publications in the field of psychology of education:

Dr. Drossel, K., Eickelmann, B. & Gerick, J. (2017). Predictors of Teachers’ Use of ICT in School – the Relevance of School Characteristics, Teachers’ Attitudes and Teacher Collaboration. Education and Information Technologies, 22(2), 551–573.

Birgit Eickelmann, Prof. Dr., Paderborn University, Institute of Educational Science, birgit.eickelmann@upb.de; Warburger Str. 100 33,098 Paderborn, Germany

Current themes of research:

School pedagogics and school theory. Empirical school and school development research. Integration of new technologies in teaching and learning. Development of the school system in the twenty-first century. Academic management (National Research Coordinator) of the IEA studies of ICILS 2013 and ICILS 2018 (International Computer and Information Literacy Study; international. Comparative school achievement studies on students’ computer and information literacy) [among others]

Most relevant publications in the field of psychology of education:

Eickelmann, B. & Vennemann, M. (2017). Teachers‘ attitudes and beliefs regarding ICT in teaching and learning in European countries. European Educational Research Journal, 16(6), 733–761. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474904117725899.

Stefanie van Ophuysen, Prof. Dr., University of Münster, Institute of Educational Science, vanophuysen@uni-muenster.de; Georgskommende 33, 48,143 Münster, Germany

Current themes of research:

Pedagogical diagnostics and teachers‘ diagnostic competence; teacher education with focus on research based learning; cohesion and social participation in inclusive classrooms; transition from primary school to secondary school

Most relevant publications in the field of psychology of education:

van Ophuysen, S., Behrmann, L., Bloh, B., Homt, M. & Schmidt, J. (2017). Die universitäre Vorbereitung angehender Lehrkräfte auf Forschendes Lernen im Berufsalltag. [Academic preparation of teachers-to-be for research-based learning in everyday professional work] Journal of Educational Research Online, 9, 274–303.

Wilfried Bos, Prof. Dr., Technical University of Dortmund, Center for Research on Education and School Development, officebos-ifs.fk12@tu-dortmund.de, Vogelpothsweg 78, 44,227 Dortmund, Germany

Current themes of research:

Empirical research methods. Quality assurance in educational systems. International educational research. Evaluation. Pedagogical research on China

Most relevant publications in the field of psychology of education:

Hartmann, R., McElvany, N., Gebauer, M. & Bos. W. (2012). Differential patterns of school motivation in students of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Tertium Comparationis, 18(2), 209–223.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Drossel, K., Eickelmann, B., van Ophuysen, S. et al. Why teachers cooperate: an expectancy-value model of teacher cooperation. Eur J Psychol Educ 34, 187–208 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-018-0368-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-018-0368-y

Keywords

Navigation