Fears Associated with High Expectations
As educators, it is important to change the perception that high expectations set students up to fail. They don't — but low or impossible expectations do. Low expectations can create a false sense of accomplishment that is not based on reality. High expectations, however, can lead to authentic and heightened self-esteem.
Students need to feel that you believe they can learn. Having high expectations does not mean that a student is a failure if he does not understand a subject or has a hard time with it. It simply means that you expect him to try, and that with additional help, you believe he can succeed. Students who have never been respected academically will probably begin acknowledging your efforts through their words and actions.
Critics argue that high expectations can lead to failure. But what effect do low or no expectations have on students? Students' motivation to learn is shaped by their attitudes toward learning, which in turn are largely shaped by their parents and by you.
