Pygmalion Effect
The Pygmalion Effect states it is a theory that claims a learner does as well as you think he or she can. I do agree with that. I was reading in a textbook that some people are fearful of trying to do certain task because they are told that they cannot do it. Even though this occurs, it is totally our responsilblity as instructors to help our students to get on task. We should be able to find ways to address the issues so that it can provide successful performances by the student.
Often our expression of confidence in our students is enough to drive them forward in their success.
Ryan
Sometimes we chef instructors even act as cheerleaders when we send the students back to their tables after demo; we say "You can do it!!" or "Go team!" to get them excited about what they must accomplish in the given time and to express our confidence in their ability to work independently.
It is human nature to at least try to suceed if the person recieves positive reinforcement. We all tried to please our parents as children and were usually rewarded in some way by suceeding or at least trying a new task. When we as instructors give positive encouragement and the attitude of "I know you can do this", most of the students will rise to the occasion and suceed.
You must believe in your students ability to learn the subject matter, even if your first impression leads you to think they can't. How you perceive them will project.
I love the opportunity to "break through the walls" other have built upon themselves or had help building that have prevented them from reaching new heights on thier "ladder of success". I've seen the positive results from positive encouragement and positive reinforcement (I sense a pattern developing, lol) in my students and my own children. It's a tried and true method.
I don't know why any teacher would tell someone that they weren't capable of performing a task! I am a firm believer in the Pygmalion effect.
I think many people succeed and/or fail in regard to this theory. The power of both positive and negative thinking is great, so lets always try to be positive with our students as well as with ourselves.
this has a huge effect on our learners outcomes. We need to operate believing that they are succeeding and they will become convinced that they can
I also agree. Self-confidence is an important element in the learning process. One of the teacher’s responsibilities is to build self confidence in the student. This can be done if we help the student to do classroom tasks. If the student is successful in one task this will help to give the student the confidence that the student can do the work. Success builds success. The student has to believe in the student and the teacher
I also believe that this is a powerful concept in that we need to hold our students positive approach and build on their self esteem. Make sure that they know they can do whatever they put their mind to. Several students will come in with negative thoughts that have been there for years and to get them to focus and give a positive approach to their learning can be a great challenge for the instructors. Instructors need to stay positive and give the most confident statements in the classroom to support their teaching.
I love this theory and believe it to be true. I also believe the same holds true for how students treat one another and plan to address this in the near future with one of my classes. We all have self doubt irregardless of where we come from. We all need to be acknowledged and have others believe in us.
I have a particular student that every time she speaks up, I have caught other students rolling their eyes, or winking at one another. In essence, they are telling her that her thoughts are not worthy. The other students are not believing in her success and I fear it will diminish her learning experience.
The sad thing is that this is an adult classroom.
Any ideas or thoughts on how to address this with my classroom would be appreciated.
Jan
This concept is powerful in a skills based curriculum. If, in the beginning, you express confidence in the students ability to master a skill set, the faster they develop the self confidence to succeed.
Yes, I also agree. Most of the students at my school are disadvantaged and come from the lower spectrum of the socioeconomic ladder and all teh problems inherent in that environment. I will definitely be more cognizant of my interaction and discussion. I would like to think I have always treated everyone equally, but I will think about it more thoroughly.
Yes, I absolutely agree. Many of our students come from disadvantaged neighborhoods, and they've been told all of their lives that they will never amount to anything...never succeed. In many cases, they will look for reasons to fail instead of to do well. It is a challenge, but a welcome one, to assist students in appreciating that they 'can' succeed, can do well, can have something more in life. Planting the seed in their mind is the first step.
