Student Social Background and Teacher Expectations: The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to review the literature dealing with the formation and the effects of varying teacher expectations on students. The study focuses on the characteristics of the self-fulfilling prophecy , and most importantly the factors - student social background in particular - that lead teachers to establish expectations and the effects that varying expectations have on students. This study helps educators develop an awareness of the powerful impact that teacher expectations have in every student’s academic experience through information dealing with teacher behavior toward pupils based on their expectations. The study also shows the different behaviors that teachers must pay attention to while dealing with his/her pupils (learner in general).