B2 – Upper Intermediate
Have you noticed that students with higher expectations placed upon them tend to rise higher in the school ranks? You’d think, those we expect to succeed must be smarter, more talented, and more skilled than the rest, right? But what if those people were just as average as everyone else? Would they still rise in the ranks?
The Pygmalion effect is a psychological phenomenon whereby higher expectations lead to higher performance.
To find out more about the power of expectations, watch the video below.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “reinforce”. “The beliefs about themselves cause the other’s actions towards us which again reinforce our beliefs in that person.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “in return” mean? ” “Chris feels you appreciate him and he appreciates you in return.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “made-up” mean? “At the beginning of the school year, a group of elementary school teachers were told that some of their new pupils had extraordinary talent and potential. This information was completely made-up, was given about random average students in each class.” Use this expression to make your own sentence and give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think the Pygmalion effect is a positive or negative phenomenon? Share your thoughts.
- How do expectations shape our experiences and how can we manage them more effectively?
- How do you communicate your expectations to others in your workplace? How about to the people in your life?
- Talk about a time when your expectations were met.
- How about a situation when someone did not meet your expectations? How did you deal with it?