Expectations

Teachers set their expectations at an advanced level for high school students, although this is to be anticipated. Today the real problem is teacher behavior toward high and low expectation students.

All students have a different basis and style for learning. Educators feedback to a student’s ideas or opinions should not be anger or excessive praise. Students who are more active in classroom discussions may learn best that way. On the other hand, quiet students may learn best through observation.

If you would like more information on this matter, you should look into Deborah J. Stipek’s book: Motivation to Learn: Integrating Theory and Practice

However impressive, high performing students should not be placed on a podium for their achievements. Low performing students should not be ridiculed or given sympathy.

For example, Bob was given an assignment to do, but his teacher thought it was just a bit too challenging for him. So the teacher told him not to worry about doing the assignment. In the same class, Jessica might be a high performance student, but she did not have time to do her assignment. Her teacher immediately gave her a zero for that assignment because Jessica should have completed it.

This should not be an occurrence in a modern day classroom. Teachers and students should work together to fit their individual learning style.