A lot of these problems though can be addressed by clearly outlining the teachers' expectations and criteria at the beginning of the course (Columbia Technology Information Technology, 2000).
A teacher must clearly state her terms and expectations to prevent future misunderstandings. For instance, clearly stating demands on class attendance, participation and completion of assignments (Columbia Technology Information Technology, 2000).
Teachers should also be friends not enemies. Show students that you are after their improvement. Being accessible to the students is also critical as they may make them feel welcome. Encouraging students to participate in class could also help. Be fair in treating students, avoid favoritism. Students should not be embarrassed inside the classroom. Early intervention if problems arise is also necessary. A teacher's attitude in class serves as model for students in how to behave (Warger, 1999; Columbia Technology Information Technology, 2000).
Positive Expectations
Generally what the teachers expect from the students, they get in the end. This is called the Pygmalion effect or the notion that an expectation about a person can result in a person behaving in that way. It is also, the self-fulfilling prophecy (or SFP).
The cause of SFP is once a student has been branded as a "scholar" for instance or a "troublemaker", chances are the teacher will treat him/her as such. Ultimately, the self fulfilling prophecy functions not as a way of foretelling the future but in creating it. Each time the teacher forms an opinion of a student, he/she is in a way influencing the student's behavior and accomplishment inside the classroom (Tauber, 1998).
The following five-step model explains how the SFP works (Tauber, 1998):
- The teacher forms expectations.
- Based upon these expectations, the teacher acts in a differential manner.
- The teacher's treatment tells each student (loud and clear) what behavior and what achievement the teacher expects.
- If this treatment is consistent, it will tend to shape the student's behavior and achievement.
- With time, the student's behavior and achievement will conform more and more closely to that expected of him or her.
Studies conducted support the theory of self-fulfilling prophecy that says teacher expectations can determine changes in student achievement and behavior beyond effects accounted for by previous achievement and motivation. Self-fulfilling prophecy could a burden to teachers because it can affect a student's performance. Teachers then should find a way to control it and use this ability to help students for the better. For those they view negatively, they should try to see the good side of the student and develop it so this student can see his/her potentials. The same way, the teacher can help the student improve and use their talents and potentials (Tauber, 1998).
