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Whether we do it consciously or not, we give off hints to people as to what our expectations are. We exhibit thousands of cues some as subtle as tilting of the head or a raising the eyebrows, or a dilation of the nostrils but most are more obvious. People, especially students, pick up on those signals (American Psychological Association, May 20, 2003).
What does this mean? In 1968 Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson gave all the children in an elementary class a test. They then told the teacher that certain of these children were extremely intelligent (the children were actually quite average). At the end of the school year Rosenthal and Jacobson came back. The children they had identified as potentially high performers had made significantly more progress than the rest of the class, based on test scores.
Putting aside the question of whether Rosenthal or Jacobson behaved ethically by playing such a game with the future of children we are faced with some incontrovertible facts. Perception does indeed impact performance. And positive vision has a positive impact, especially when that vision is held by a person of influence.
It therefore, stands to reason that developing a classroom vision of the most desirable of circumstances should have a positive impact on the performance of the students and the effectiveness of the classroom.
Step One:
To create a vision the teacher must decide what the ideal classroom environment should look like. Begin by reviewing the vision/mission statement of the organization in which you are employed. Large inconsistencies between the beliefs of the teacher and their employer are indicators of dark times ahead. However, do not despair. It is not realistic to assume the organization will maintain the same framework throughout any teachers’ entire career.
Step Two:
Put pen to paper and describe in detail what you want to see in the future. Be positive and be open to modifications to educational practices.
Step Three:
Incorporate your beliefs. Be specific as to what you value and what you want to be the outcome for your students. Be precise and be practical. Your beliefs are a written statement of your values.
Step Four:
Build a mission statement based on your belief and values statement. This statement provides an overview of your perception of your purpose and function. Focus on the common purposes you possess with your organization. The statement must be specific to the organization, not generic. Keep the statement to no more than two sentences.
Although the benefits of visioning may seem vague the long term benefits are substantial.
- You begin thinking outside the box.
- Your sense of purpose and direction are enhanced.
- Your focus is intensified.
- Your productivity and performance are enhanced.
Pitfalls to avoid when developing your vision plan.
* Rigidity of tradition.
* Anxiety from fear of ridicule.
* Complacency from others.
* Short term thinking.
* Those who say your vision won’t make a difference.
Here is an exercise to get you started:
It is five years from today and you have through Herculean effort created your most desirable classroom environment. Describe it, in detail as you see it around you.
About The Author:
Reg Adkins hosts a blog with information compiled for business owners, school administrators, professors, teachers,counselors, and other interested parties on effective management,discipline, research, best practices, techniques, behavior management, counseling resources and a clearing house for associated needful materials and tools. For more information visit his site located at http://www.elementaltruths.blogspot.com/
Tags: Articles For Teachers Classroom Vision and The Self-fulfilling Prophecy
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