Student and Teacher Perceptions of Teachers' Communication of Performance Expectations in the Classroom

• Published in: The Journal of classroom interaction Vol. 29; no. 1; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Witty, Janeen P., DeBaryshe, Barbara D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MacJCI 01-01-1994
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; African Americans; Blacks; Children; Classroom interaction; Encouragement; Individualized instruction; Junior High School Students; Junior High Schools; Males; Minority group students; Praise; Questionnaires; Racial Differences; Secondary School Teachers; Student Attitudes; Teacher Attitudes; Teacher Behavior; Teacher Student Relationship; Teachers; White people
• ISSN: 0749-4025; 2376-6670

This study explored the extent to which male students and their teachers perceived differences in teachers' studentdirected behaviors as a function of the child's achievement level and race. Parallel surveys were completed by 14 junior high school teachers and 60 of their male students. While differential treatment was reported, teachers and students disagreed as to where the differences occur. Teachers reported giving less encouragement to low achieving students. Male students believed that teachers showed more praise and less negative behavior toward high achieving students, and more positive personal regard towards average achieving and African-American students. Implications for improving classroom climate are discussed.