"life chances" and "the Pygmalion effect"

1. Do you think that the ways these concepts are applied to society and education are accurate or inaccurate (or somewhere in between)?  If the answer is different depending on the venue, explain that too.  Be sure to provide examples in your answer.

I do think the pygmalion effect can be seen in my life.  I know I have always been hard on myself and lacked confidence at many points in my life.   I can think of how my mother would praise me at some of the lowest times of my life and without the support I had, I would not have succeeded.  What I am trying to say is that we all need someone in our life that believes in us.  Whether this is a teacher or a parent, grandparent, or friend, that person can create that "self fulfilling prophecy" or can be the positive that leads to ones success!

I also have seen "life chances" affecting close friends and family, but I think "life chances" can be connected with the pygmalion effect.  If the same child that is raised in a low socioeconomic family is given opportunities through education and positive role models and teachers, that child has the same "life chances" as any child.  What is most important in my eyes as an educator is to set high standards for all my students and to be a positive role model!  I have the chance to motivate my students to learn and to achieve!  I hope that my positive attitude does affect my students and motivates them as well.

3. In what ways, if any, do these phenomena manifest themselves in your classroom or among the students you work most closely with?

In Special Education, I work with many students who struggle and frustrate easily!  That is why it is so important to teach in a way that creates success!  And then to celebrate ones success!  This reminds me of what we have learned through Quantum.   Celebration does build the desire for success!  Home Court Advantage also creates the pygmalion effect.

4. What, if anything, does this mean for you?  

Reflecting on these phenomena, does remind me to keep setting  high standards and goals for my students to show my students that I believe in them.  They may not all have parents like I do!