#15 Joining the Lounge Lynch Mob...

The teachers’ lounge can become a place where many students are hanged without a trial. Hanged...? I think that's right.

Their potential can be accidently strangled and lost forever. This lynching takes place when a student’s potential is limited in the minds of teachers by other teachers. Yes, it happens every day!

Teachers talk about a student’s ability and behavior before that student has a chance to prove her own merit, and that is a mistake... a deadly mistake!

Student expectations are established in many subtle and unintentional ways by casual conversations that take place in the lounge.

Think for a moment...
Have you ever discussed a student’s behavior or potential to perform in your class with another teacher? If that student becomes that teachers’ student, performance and behavior expectations have already been established.

I’m not saying the intent was malicious, but the damage to a student’s possible performance in the class is impacted negatively.

This principle is referred to as the “sure enough” principle or the Pygmalion Effect.
Unconsciously you set student expectations and also unconsciously work to make sure the expectations come true.

“That kid can NEVER pass my math class. You know his sister was just as bad.” or ...

“Tim has ALWAYS been a behavior problem in school. He’ll end up in alternative school before spring break.”

These seemingly innocent statements have a dramatic impact on the way teachers treat students and the way in which students perform. There are mounds of research to indicate “you get what you expect”—sure enough.

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Stop it! Stop and think about what you say concerning your student’s ability and behavior in the presence of other teachers.

Guarding what comes out of your mouth can contribute to a student’s success in another teacher’s class. Setting limiting expectations in other teachers’ minds or reinforcing those limitations in your own mind will not help a student succeed.

Learn to listen to the general conversations that take place in the teachers lounge.

Are these conversations that launch a student toward success or do they lynch their future?

Most of these conversations are spawned... I just love that word...couldn't wait to use it... out of feelings of frustration and helplessness.

Become the teacher... that helps alleviate these negative feelings toward a student... rather than the one that perpetuates them.

Help other teachers become AWARE of the awesome power of their casual conversations and the expectations these conversations establish.

Make a poster that says...
“Be careful what you say... it could foretell a student’s future.” or “Loose Lips Lead Lives to Less Luster.”
O.K.... I know they sound silly... but give'm a try! Make some on your own!

If these silly posters brighten one student’s chances for success, it’s worth the effort. What do you think?

Unknowingly... you and I are constantly setting expectations and giving others labels that could stick with them for a lifetime. Help "Lick the Labels" especially the negative... self-defeating ones!

"Watch what you put in your mouth and what comes OUT of it."

Piles of Smiles,
Karl

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