ERIC Number: EJ1095219
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Apr
Pages: 36
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-8312
EISSN: N/A
It's the Quality Not the Quantity of Ties That Matters: Social Networks and Self-Efficacy Beliefs
Siciliano, Michael D.
American Educational Research Journal, v53 n2 p227-262 Apr 2016
This study explores the role of knowledge access and peer influence as mechanisms by which networks may shape teacher self-efficacy. The basic premise is twofold: (a) that peer interaction provides opportunities to access teaching relevant knowledge and thus may reduce uncertainty and (b) that self-efficacy beliefs may be shaped by the efficacy beliefs of the peers one is directly connected to in the advice network. The results suggest that both mechanisms may shape teacher self-efficacy and that the quality of ties, rather than the quantity, may have a stronger influence on self-efficacy. These findings offer new insight into the potential ways in which social networks and collegial interaction influence teacher beliefs.
Descriptors: Social Networks, Beliefs, Self Efficacy, Peer Influence, Peer Relationship, Knowledge Base for Teaching, Help Seeking, Helping Relationship, Sharing Behavior, Individual Characteristics, Measures (Individuals), Interpersonal Competence, Collegiality, Online Surveys
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A