Phygmalion Effect
This is an interesting topic because in my own personal experience, just on the first day after the introduction of each one ,asking some witty questions about their lives, asking about their job, family and favorites, I can really tell which one can do it with ease and confidence in my classes and the ones with probable difficulty. I'll experience more on this type of effect.
There are some students that I just have a feeling about. I feel that they will not succeed. But, when I see that these students are struggling, I remind them of why they are here. I tell them anything is possible if they can stay focused on the goal ahead. And actually, I have been pleasantly surprised when they have overcome the label we sometimes put on them.
I can relate to Jodi's comments about students. Over the course of my time as an Instructor, I have had the opportunity to work with a class where the Instructor left and not always on the Instructor's doing. The classes that I inherited would be quite challenging because the students were upset and confused. I found that I had to show the students that their concerns mattered and also on the other hand that I was there for them to get the education they where there for. It really is about gaining their trust and letting them know that you believe they can accomplish their goals or dreams.
Ty,
yes, completely agree that our attitude has a significant impact on the whole class.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
the effect is very realistic your attitude will set students tone.
In the beginning I ask each student in post conference why they decided on nursing. Each states out loud why they made the decision they did. I think this sets the tone for my expectations for my students. In the beginning I point out only the good, not the poor skills- as they can become very easily intimidated.
The first thing I tell my students is to relax and that they are smart enough to do this job having them tell me why they want to do this career helps them settle
I agree with opening up communication and it also is interesting to hear how a student present herself for the first time.
My feeling is that the Phygmalion Effect is contagious. If you were infected with that from whoever or whatever got you into your area. Then it should be you to communicate that to your students. Many times, my students are surprised to find out why I am in my area, how I got there, and why I make the choice to remain with it during tough times (which we all have had or will have).
If I may use an analogy. To them, they are still within a "safe harbor". We are the "old salts of the sea", we know when a storm is approaching and prepare, or we know how to weather one. Their senses are developing, ours are developed. This is what drives us to the passion that got us to where we are.
I hope that is the 'contagious' phygmalion effect that we all can pass along.
About 8 months ago, we had a group of students that were a little more immature than our usual group of students. Several issues came up as a result of their immaturity, and these issues were not handled probably. This created a domino effect that is still having its effects today. The students started out with the belief that they were the "bad" students, an idea that was put in their head by the instructor at the time (no longer with the company). Unfortunately, the students have carried out this belief throughout their time in school, and they have acted out accordingly with this belief. With the type of behavior that has been displayed, one would tend to think that they are truly the "bad" group. However, I often wonder if they did not spend so much time in the beginning fulfilling this belief, would their behavior have changed during their time in school? Recently I have had an opportunity to experiment with this theory to see if there is something to it. A new student that has entered our program was struggling academically, and she seemed to have a mental block with learning. It turns out that she has a slight learning disability and it seems that it has been enhance due a lack of support from family as she was growing up. I am pleased to say that after applying the Pygmalion Theory to her by showing her that I believe in her (along with the other instructors doing the same), her confidence level has increased two-fold, and her grades dramatically increased. Even her attention level and her socialization skills with the other students has increased. I believe there is something to this theory, and we have to look at the fact that our students often come from homes where they did not receive support from their families, and were basically told that they could not do the things they desired to do. If instructors show the students the support and the belief that they are capable of doing the work successfully, the student will step up to the challenge. Students and people in general tend to act the way that others expect them to act.
I try to use this theory to my advantage. When I identify a student whom I believe will have dificulty, I will talk to them in private and let them know that I believe in them and that I know that they are going to succeed. Positive encouragement can go a long way.
I agree. Prior to a student starting in a particular program of study I like to ask them about their experience or knowledge with that particular program.(If any)
I agree with Jenni on this topic. The more personal I make the relationship between student and instructor, it facilitates more honest questions from the student. They feel less likely to think a question is irrelevant or off-topic.
richard,
this really is a great question as it helps give you information for motivation & encouragement when the student may start to get overwhelmed or discouraged.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like to ask the student about their life experiences and why they got into nursing.
You may be surprised, the phygmalion effect sometimes has entirely the opposite effect.
Ramon,
we really do have an opportunity to help encourage our students & show them that we believe they can succeed.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
From my experience, a student who would have been adversely affected by the Phygmallion Effect, has now become the president of a highly prestigious organization.Something to really think about.
Tracey,
yes & often an encouraging word from us as the instructor can really help make the difference for them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Having a positive relationship with the students is beneficial to learning. We need to encourage them even when they do not feel they can pass a test having that confidence for them and encouraging them at least makes them study and try harder.
