FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is the self-fulfilling prophecy in education?

1. Students ignoring teachers' expectations

2. Students internalizing and performing according to teachers' expectations

3. Students developing motivation independently from teacher influence

4. Teachers assessing students' performance in isolation

The correct answer is: Students internalizing and performing according to teachers' expectations

The concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy in education refers to the phenomenon where students internalize and subsequently perform according to their teachers' expectations. When educators hold specific beliefs about a student's potential or abilities, these beliefs can shape how they interact with that student. For example, if a teacher believes that a student is capable of high achievement, they may provide more encouragement, support, and challenging opportunities for that student. As a result, the student is likely to rise to those expectations, demonstrating improved performance and confidence. Conversely, if a teacher has low expectations, the same dynamic can occur, leading to a lack of motivation and lower performance from the student. This illustrates how deeply the teacher's perceptions can influence a student's academic trajectory. The self-fulfilling prophecy underscores the importance of positive teacher expectations and their profound impact on student success.