The Concept of Vision in Educational Effectiveness Theory and Research

Educational effectiveness theory and research have developed considerably in recent years. Despite the advances, several problems remain, such as the inability of effectiveness characteristics to explain variance in student outcomes satisfactorily and consistently. In this article, we introduce the concept of vision as a potential solution for these problems. Educational effectiveness has focused heavily on behavioural factors, but the ideas behind these factors could be important as well. After discussing related concepts at the national, school and classroom levels, we introduce the concept of vision which relates ideas and behaviour more strongly than earlier concepts such as expectations and beliefs because it emphasises causal relations between educational goals and means and pays attention to the psychological, pedagogical and sociological dimensions of education. Consequences for further theory and research are discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.