FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

According to educational theories, students internalize expectations set by which of the following?

1. The standardized tests

2. The teacher's verbal instructions

3. Their peer's performance

4. Their own experiences

The correct answer is: The teacher's verbal instructions

Students internalize expectations primarily through the teacher's verbal instructions because these instructions are a direct form of communication that shape students' beliefs, attitudes, and understanding of what is expected in the learning environment. When teachers set clear expectations through their language, they provide students with a framework for how to interpret their capabilities and their roles in the classroom. This includes not just the academic goals but also the behavior and social standards that are valued within that environment. The quality and clarity of a teacher's verbal instructions can significantly influence students’ motivation and self-efficacy. When students understand what is expected of them, they are more likely to strive to meet those standards, adopting a mindset that aligns with the expectations communicated by their educators. Positive reinforcement and constructive feedback also play a crucial role in this process, encouraging students to internalize high standards. In contrast, while factors like standardized tests, peer performance, and personal experiences can influence a student's progress and self-perception, they often do not provide the same immediate and explicit guidance regarding expectations as teacher verbal instructions do. Standardized tests reflect external benchmarks, peer performance can fluctuate and vary widely, and personal experiences are often subjective and may not directly inform students on how to meet specific educational goals. Thus, the most powerful influence