Exploring Key Attributes of Professional Learning Communities and the Relationship With Self-Determination Theory

• In Event: Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Professional Learning Communities: Attributes, Status, and Resources

Abstract

This study explored the relationships between key attributes of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and components of Self-determination Theory (SDT), attempting to investigate empirical evidence of the relationship between the key attributes of PLCs (supportive and shared leadership, collective learning and application, shared values and vision, supportive conditions, and shared personal practice) and teachers’ psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. A total of 211 teachers in Southern California participated in the study. The findings from correlations and multiple regressions revealed preliminary evidence of the relationship between PLCs and SDT. The component of supportive and shared leadership in a PLC was significant to all aspects of SDT and relatedness was identified as the psychological need with the most relationship to PLCs.

Authors

• Jennifer Kane, Azusa Pacific University

• Ying Hong Jiang, Azusa Pacific University

• Jenny Y.P. Yau, Azusa Pacific University