ABSTRACT The Circles of Adults (CoA) group problem solving process has been used by educational psychologists (EPs) when supporting vulnerable educational placements, but its effects upon staff or student outcomes have not been explored. CoAs were used in the current research with staff supporting Children Looked After (CLA) in secondary schools. A quasi-experimental explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods design investigated changes in participant causal attributions, perceived self-efficacy, and perceived implementation of subsequent actions. Participation in the CoA had no significant effects upon causal attributions or self-efficacy; however, staff perceived greater self-efficacy and success in implementing actions following the CoA. They valued the process, reporting enhanced group cohesion and task focus. Insights and empathy were deepened regarding the focus student, as were awareness of group processes and reflection. Threats in small-scale research are considered and a possible mechanism for the CoA’s effect as a supervisory approach is proposed.

中文翻译：

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检查照顾儿童的成人圈过程：自我效能感和同理心在员工行为改变中的作用

摘要 成人圈 (CoA) 小组问题解决过程已被教育心理学家 (EP) 在支持弱势教育安置时使用，但尚未探讨其对教职员工或学生成果的影响。CoA 用于当前的研究，工作人员在中学支持儿童照顾 (CLA)。准实验解释性、顺序、混合方法设计调查了参与者因果归因、自我效能感和后续行动的感知实施的变化。参与 CoA 对因果归因或自我效能没有显着影响；然而，工作人员认为在执行 CoA 之后的行动时，自我效能感更强，取得了更大的成功。他们重视这个过程，报告增强了团队凝聚力和任务重点。加深了对重点学生的洞察力和同理心，以及对小组过程和反思的认识。考虑了小规模研究中的威胁，并提出了 CoA 作为监督方法的可能机制。