Pygmalion effect shows that teacher expectations influence student performance. Positive
expectations influence performance positively, and negative expectations influence
performance negatively. Rosenthal and Jacobson originally described the phenomenon as
the Pygmalion Effect. In terms of teaching, faculties who gripe about students establish a
climate of failure, but faculties who value their students’ abilities create a climate of
success.
Every day, Pygmalion effect can be applied in the class in a variety of ways which are as
follows:
• Start with assignments that your students can achieve with ease. Success builds upon
itself. When students see that they can accomplish what you ask of them, they will want to
continue that success.
• Celebrate often with your students. After all, their successes are your successes. You do
not have to dedicate lots of time to formal celebrations. A simple posting or display of
good news, a class signal that allows classmates to acknowledge each other in positive
way, or a quiet word with individual students will all establish a positive tone.
• Be as consistent and as fair as you possibly can. Students of all ages are quick to react
negatively when they detect even a small hint of suspected unfairness. They will shut
down quickly when this happens.
• Post motivational signs, mottoes, and other messages to encourage students to give their
best effort.
• Reward effort as well as achievement. It is important to make sure your students see the