Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
I foound this to be very true, especially with students who hae struggled in school beofer. I have a lot of students who did not succeed in HS, and they feel that no one has faith in them, which causes them to fail. When I get these students and remind them that they can do it, they usally meet and/or exceed my expectations. I think that a little encouragement really goes a long way.
I am the same way. I tend to work harder for the students that participate do well study and are vital to my classroom success than I do for those who always have an excuse for everything, chronically late, and is disrespectful. I must work on giving 100 percent to all students....deserving or not.
This is one area where I continually struggle. I have a difficult time helping some students because of their lack of motivation or lack of work ethics. It is always a pleasure to help those students who are highly dedicated and working hard. I believe that a lot of us have a tendency to do better for our "better" students and that is something to work on.
I have found the principle of SFP to be right on target. I have seen it in my own family and with my students of diverse backgrounds..
If my students expiation's are that of failure they usually fail. On the other hand if I catch them before and reinforce my belief they can succeed they for the most part do pass and some beyond my expiations.
I try to remain positive and encourage to push beyond the point of the "Peter Principle" another learning theory.
As an automotive instructor, I often refer to my students as "technicians" instead of students. In retrospect, this is like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Samuel,
this is an excellent point to make with the students as it reminds them that you are there to help them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Pygmalion needed Aphrodite to fulfill his dream. When a student is adamant in his position of "I can't", I will sometimes agree and say, "you're right. You can't. But WE can", and use the opportunity to show my commitment to his success. Learning is a team effort, and the team is not complete without a coach.
You're right, Walt. When teaching adults (or what I sometimes refer to as Later-in-life-learners), sometimes they are attempting to begin a new career, and it has been a long while since they were in a classroom environment. It can be intimidating, especially if their previous educational experience was unsuccessful, or worse, demeaning. I've had students admit that someone with influence in their past has told them they were too stupid to learn. I regularly remind my students of their hidden potential, celebrate even small successes, and use the "debriefing" time to reinforce in them just how much they were able to learn each day. The biggest thrill I find in teaching is the gradual increase in self-confidence that the students express each time they know they have accomplished another goal that first appeared impossible.
Justin,
yes, the one to one really is a great way to reach our students if the opportunity is there.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am lucky enough to have somewhat small classes which allows me more time to give each student individual attention. This allows me the opportunity to find the best method of teaching for those students that may not do well in a traditional classroom environment. The students really appreciate the one on one instruction even if it's brief.
Douglas,
this is a good point regarding our professionalism. While none of us can separate from what's going on, a professional knows how to control that, manage it, & put it away while teaching.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Absolutely true. If the instructor isn't positive it is very hard for the students to do well. Instuctors need to leave all their problems and bad attitudes outside.
Catherine,
this is a good point regarding the balance we have to strike. We want our students to feel capable, but you are right that they still need to be open to learning new concepts.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The pygmalian effect is alive and well in vocational education. Encouragement can make or break a learning experience. At times, I've wished that students didn't have such strong positive opinions of their progress. It is difficult at times to point out areas that need improvement when the student thinks they have acquired all knowledge. It is certainly a balance. Instructors must tread with soft shoes.
I know that the self fulfilling prophesy is true and it works. It really is just a sense of encouragement to students and letting them know that someone believes that they will succeed. They will try to prove themselves to this person. This is also true for yourself if you continue to tell yourself that you cannot do something then you wont. positive selftalk is very important in success and in the classroom. I always tell this to my students.
Like many other schools, we do not attract the cream of the crop with respect to academically motivated students. This provides our instructors with an opportunity to make it possible for our students to succeed in their studies, quite possibly for the first time in their lives. I try to ensure that each and every of my beginning students have every opportunity to succeed and reinforce the fact that they do every chance I get. This sets the tone for the rest of their educational experience.
cynthia,
this is very true & too often, our students have not had success & been berated for failing, rather than being encouraged to try again.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also teach math. Many of my students have had such bad experiences learning this subject that they are math phobic! In addition to teaching the subject area, I also praise student successes and attempts at success. Students' accomplishments will rise to our expectations!
Thomas,
yes, students can accomplish great things when they know we believe in them & we help them to believe in themselves.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
At one time, I was teaching marker rendering and I would say that I could teach anyone to draw. They all learned beyond their own expectations. I know that anyone can learn anything they want to if they just believe. It's amazing!
