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Collaborative group work has been recognized as a way of fostering the development of metacognition and self-regulation. Moreover, it has been claimed that these regulatory processes have an interpersonal level in which the regulation of the activity is shared with others (Iiskala et al., 2004). There has also been a considerable body of research on talk within small groups in the classroom. This approach has built a considerable amount of research, given the demonstrated effect of certain types of talk on academic learning. However, very few studies look at both aspects of collaboration (Mercer, 2013). The present research aims to investigate the relationship between socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) and type of talk. Two hundred and thirty-one groups of three students were videotaped solving a problem in collaboration. Videos were analyzed qualifying exploratory talk and two dimensions of SSRL: metacognitive regulation and symmetry and reciprocity. Results show that the dimensions of SSRL and quality of talk correlate significantly when the whole sample is considered. However, when the sample is segmented by age, differential patterns start to emerge. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed.

This paper addresses the perceived consequences of the Chilean national teacher evaluation system. We interviewed 57 school leaders in 30 schools across 10 municipalities about effects and uses of the assessment in their schools. Results show that in the large majority of schools our interviewees observe positive effects such as increased teamwork and internal reflection processes based on the assessment results. Reports about effects at teacher level far outnumber institutional effects, and are mixed. In all schools our interviewees report on teachers' negative emotions and work overload due to the assessment process, but also about their internalization of the underlying professional standards. The paper analyzes differences among schools and offers suggestions for the development of large-scale standardized teacher evaluation systems. (Contains 2 tables.)

The paper describes a study conducted to explicate the multiple theories underlying Chile's national teacher evaluation program. These theories will serve as the basis for evaluating the intended consequences of this evaluation system, while not losing sight of emerging unintended consequences. We first analyzed legal and policy documents and then interviewed fourteen representatives of the four stakeholder groups involved in the program's design and implementation, in order to gain insight into their respective conceptions of the program's functioning and intended effects. The results show that, as to be expected and despite the long and difficult negotiation process that preceded implementation of this program, multiple political stakeholders still view the program's intended effects differently. However, there was substantial overlap regarding a number of intended effects, such as building the capacity of, and triggering change in, teachers with shortcomings, and informing the selection of new teachers and facilitating the exit of unsatisfactory teachers from the system. It was difficult to get interviewees to talk about how exactly these intended effects are supposed to be achieved. The paper draws conclusions regarding theory elaboration process involving multiple stakeholders in a highly political context. (Contains 2 tables and 5 figures.)