Autonomy Paradox: Teachers' Perceptions of Self-Governance Across Europe

The authors examine teacher autonomy in four national contexts and find that increasing decision-making capacity can lead to anxiety, self-restriction, and the rejection of autonomy, challenging the orthodox view that increased autonomy is a desirable end in itself.

Format: Hardback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

When we discuss teacher autonomy, we delve into the extent to which teachers are granted freedom and independence in their work. The authors sought to answer these profound questions by conducting a comprehensive study involving thousands of teachers across four national contexts: Finland, Ireland, Germany, and Sweden. Through a mixed-method approach, they gathered data from various sources, including a large-scale questionnaire survey, in-depth interviews with teachers, observations of lessons and meetings, and workshops where teachers from these countries came together.

The findings of this study shed light on the complex nature of teacher autonomy. While increasing professional autonomy is often seen as a desirable goal, the authors discovered that it may not yield the desired outcomes. This is because, from a teachers perspective, greater decision-making capacity can introduce complexity and risk to their work, leading to feelings of anxiety, self-restriction, and ultimately the rejection of autonomy.

These surprising conclusions challenge the prevailing notion that increased autonomy is an end in itself. The authors refer to this as the autonomy paradox, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between autonomy and teacher outcomes.

In conclusion, the study on teacher autonomy conducted by the authors provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics between teachers, their work, and the broader educational context. It challenges the notion that simply increasing professional autonomy is a panacea and highlights the importance of considering the nuances and potential risks associated with greater decision-making authority. By understanding the autonomy paradox, educators can strive to create environments that support teachers' professional growth and well-being while also ensuring that students receive high-quality education.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 159 x 242 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030656010
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021