High Expectations Activity for support group.

Script: High teacher expectations have a proven positive effect on student performance. You will be reading an article examining the work by Harvard Professor Robert Rosenthal concerning the effect of teacher expectations on the performance of students in the classroom.

1. Before the meeting print the article “PYGMALION IN THE CLASSROOM” and make a copy for everyone at the meeting.
2. During the meeting, ask the Participants to read the article and highlight statements that they think are important. Do a progress check after 5 minutes. When about half the group has completed the article, say STOP.
3. Next have everyone identify the one statement they think is the most important statement in the article and be prepared to share the quote and why they selected it.
4. Then do a round robin share. If someone picks the same quote he/she should still share it, because the reason for selecting the statement may be different.
5. Finally, ask the group to discuss the following question: How can a teacher project positive expectations in the classroom?

Note: A small group of participants can discuss the question together. A large group can discuss the question in small teams and then share. One person from each group can report out to the large group.

Source: Dr. Doug Miller, NESS Program Facilitator/HRD