A Positive Teacher Is An Achiever

*What is the Pygmalion Effect?*

Abdul-Ganiyy Raji

This is a theory which says that higher expectations lead to an increase in performance. For instance,  if you have a boss who believes in your ability, praises and rewards you, your performance will keep going up and you will be motivated.

This is also true of students. If their teachers believe they are brilliant and can learn anything, they tend to do better. Teachers' expectations shape their students' outcomes. Imagine how well students will do with a teacher who tells his or her students:

*You are smart*
*You can do it*
*I like your brain*
*You are intelligent*
*You learn fast.*

The opposite of the Pygmalion Effect is the Golem Effect, which also says that low expectations lead to a decrease in performance. Bosses who never believe in the ability of their workers will not only destroy their companies, but will also destroy the self-esteem and self-perception of their workers. It will not be long before the workers will begin to believe that they are truly not good.

Now let us contextualize this theory within the school system. Teachers who doubt their students. Teachers who have branded some students as students who can never learn anything in class. Teachers who have written off some sections of their students are only making self-fulfilling prophecies. This is because it will not be too long before those learners will begin to see themselves as their teachers see them. If you are in doubt about this theory, you just tell one of your children consistently that he or she is dull and weak, and tell another child of yours regularly that he or she is smart and brilliant. You will see a remarkable difference between them in terms of their school performances and their general attitude.

What do you say of teachers who use the words below regularly on their students?

*Idiot*
*Stupid boy/girl*
*Dull boy*
*You will not amount to anything in life*
*You are not bright*
*No, this is not for someone of your little brain.*
*Taiwo is the only one who can do this in your class.*

You would agree with me that teachers who use the words above on their students should not be expected to produce excellent or "A" students, because they themselves have destroyed their students with their words.

*Dear teachers and parents,*
It is important we know that how we perceive our students and children and what we say to them can either make or break them. Please let's cultivate the habit of expecting the best of each of our learners and children. I know they do not learn at the same pace. I know some learn faster than others, but I also know that they are all unique and gifted in varying ways. I know each can learn and be better.

Please always think of the *Pygmalion* and *Golem* Effects in your school and at home.