Here's something to ponder:
Behavioral scientists once did a study on how teacher expectations affect childrens' abilities to learn and perform well. In several different schools, one classroom in each grade was set aside for gifted students. The teachers in these special classes were told they'd been chosen to teach these elite, cream-of-the-crop students, but the students weren't informed of their special designation to avoid jealousy.
At the end of the year, the kids in these special classes outscored their peers on standardized tests, as was expected. But here's the kicker: The children weren't really "gifted and talented." They were chosen at random from the student body. The only difference was that their teachers expected them to excel.
The results of this experiment have wide implications. What expectations do you have of you children? Your subordinates at work, or other colleagues? Your spouse? Your friends?
More importantly, how high are your expectations for yourself?
Expectantly,
Kara
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1 comment:
That's an interesting experiment and it goes to show how believing in yourself or having someone else believe in you can make a world of difference.
Of course, I'm a former Special Ed. teacher so I'd be curious to see how these students' scores compared to those of a true gifted class. LOL But that's not the point, I know.
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