I try to expect greatness from all my students, but sometimes its difficult to maintain that attitude. When I manage to keep it up I often DO get greatness from them, or at least goodness.
This is a very good tool, I tell studes it is easy and they do well, If you teach them that it is easy it will be and they will learn.
I usually have a better than average academic success rate. However. I wonder how much improved I might be were I to be more inline with this effect? I am anxious to update my opening communications implementing this device. There all always a number of students that are struggling to some degree. It should prove interesting to be more mindful of the communication to those individuals. I can recall the positive results of some communications but have not realized if my statements were inline with the Pygmalion effect. TO BE CONTINUED.
I agree with setting the students up for success. There are some courses that historically the students struggle with. Some instructors would tell the students that it was a difficult course, and the grades would reflect this. other instructors have taught the same course, and told the students that they would have no problems passing the course, and sure enough the grades were higher.
I teach an intro to programming course to students that are 99% visual learners. I find that many of them come in with a preconceived notion of what they are about to learn and how hard it will be. I like to start out the first class by asking how many of them are scared of the class and think they will fail. This gives me immediate identification of who will need more TLC and encouragement throughout the course.
I follow it up by telling them all about my own fear of programming due to a Math learning disability. Many find it reassuring that I can do so well at something given the limitations caused by the disability.
I too believe in the pygmalion effect. I try to set the students up for success by being positive,mentoring,& encouraging them to succeed. J.P.
To teach is one thing, to inspire and teach brings them to a different level. Being able to read the student quickly then give them a positive push can be very rewarding to both teacher and student. As skills build so does the confidance. Seeing a student "break out"on to the path of learning with miles of smiles is worth the effort.
Good for you - and the student - Kelly!
The simple act of positive affirmations can do sooooooo much for most of us.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Absolutely. I had a student in a Developmental Writing Class who said, "I have an IEP - I can't do it." After discussing this comment with her further, I realized her high school teachers never encouraged her or believed in her to succeed, so she, in turn, felt this about herself. I made an effort every day to remind her that I expected excellent work from her in spite of her IEP. She appreciated my confidence in her. I could see she didn't want to let me down or herself down - she sent me multiple drafts of papers, stayed after class to clarify any confusing ideas, and actively participated in class. She performed very well that quarter after I clearly defined the high standard I had set for her.
Students pick up on the slightest differences in wording. For instance if you say I "think" you can do this they may not be so sure. But if you say I "know" you can do this they will do it.
I feel that when the students understand that you care that they succeed and that you as a teacher are more than willing to push them hard, perhaps even beyond what they think they can accomplish. then they will excell because now they have an incentive to show what they are made of.
Hi Dixie!
I like it!
God job!
Jane Davis
Ed107 Facilitator
What a GREAT observation Chris!
Nothing feels better or builds self esteem than being successful. Instructors should take credit for helping students be successfu.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 facilitator
I end my classes with a formal blessing. It begins usually with "Go in peace" and then includes something pertinent to where they are in the class, perhaps something like this: "You are bright and intelligent. While you do not know everything, when you are presented with the information you need, you accept it with ease. You embrace the gifts offered to you, apply them, and rejoice as they take you to new learning. Go in gladness!"
I didn't know this even had a name. Many students are self defeating because they have historically had a diificult time in school. It is fun when these students learn how to learn and start doing well. When they get excited by their new success and beleive in themselves they can go to the next level and be great.
Hi Carol!
Each of us has an inner child. Children will do exactly what we expect them to do by how adults reenforce their behaviors. So it goes for adult learners.
Great observation!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I think it's true, students will rise to your expectations. Especially older learners that are returning and have trepidation about being a student again. When you express confidence in their skills, most importantly life skills you give them the power within themselves to expect sucess. It usually follows
So true. And I have found the key is to emphasize that I know they will work hard to accomplish the goal. This seems to go further than just telling them I believe they can.
I agree. If, as an educator, you remain positive and continue to tell your students that you have faith that they will accomplish a goal, they wil generally work harder and succeed.
