Teachers possess the opportunity and ability to either build or tear down a student's self-esteem. It is essential that teachers understand the debilitating or uplifting impact of a casual remark or one spoken in frustration or anger. Students are more likely to become well-adjusted, hardworking, respectful and self-directed adults and possess a greater potential for success in life if expectations are held high.
Whether teacher expectations affect academic achievement has long been a topic for educational research. Research by noted author and educational researcher Kathleen Cotton supports the notion that teacher expectations may account for an increase in student performance. Her research also suggests that having low expectations for students could hurt student achievement.
A teacher may help to form student behavior by the expectation conveyed -- consciously or unconsciously. If a teacher believes that little boys are rambunctious and will cause disruption, and that girls will be compliant, she must be careful that she does not convey this preconceived notion in her words, tone or action. Assuming that misbehavior in the class is caused by boys might cause boys in the class to behave to her expectation.
Expressing high expectations for all students has the potential to motivate students and spur them on to greater engagement, and ultimately, success. Students are motivated by a nurturing relationship between teacher and student that is built on high expectations. Setting high expectations, structuring the learning environment for success and providing support have the potential to motivate students and create a love of learning.