Tutor as Role Models of Positive Expectations

A tutor's attitude may play a big role in a student's perception of his or her ability to succeed. Many studies have shown that expectations determine outcomes. One such study was conducted in the 1960's. A huge government-funded project tried to determine the best method for teaching reading. Classrooms were equipped with the best of everything so teachers could test a variety of techniques and materials. Some classes made more progress than others, but no one instructional approach stood out as most effective, a method that worked well for one teacher did not necessarily work well for others. The key factor turned out to be the teacher's expectations. The project, called "Twenty-seven Studies," led to this simple but fascinating conclusion: if the teacher believes in the method he or she is using, it will work for him or her.

In the 1970's Robert Rosenthal, a developmental psychologist at Harvard University, studied expectations that are built on faulty information. He selected a group of average students and told their teacher they were gifted. Although the youngsters were no different from their classmates, their teacher expected them to do significantly better than others in their class. They did as their teacher expected. Throughout the 1980's this topic was investigated extensively. Always the results were the same. Expectations determine outcomes.

Two questions arise: how do you look at a student or your own child, who has all the signs of continued failure -poor grades, lack of basic skills, bad attitude - and expect success? And how can the student himself expect to succeed? Both tutors and students need a simple way to gain control over their own attitudes. A reliable method of building positive expectations is essential for those who desire to help students learn.

Most techniques of mental imagery require study, practice and discipline whether through books, tapes, or personal instruction. The results can be worth the effort, but here is a simple idea that can also be a powerful mind re-programmer if you or your student are struggling with discouragement, or are having trouble believing in his or her ability to succeed.

A very effective method of visualization is available through collage making. The whole process takes only a couple of hours and you can do it at home alone, or together with your student at a tutoring session. It is both pleasant and inexpensive and offers an extremely easy way to replace expectations of failure with pictures of success. Don't let the simplicity of collage-making fool you. Whether you are a tutor or a student, try it. Consider it the first step in the rescue process.