Which concept describes the idea that teacher expectations can influence student outcomes, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy?

• A. Cultural capital
• B. Hidden curriculum
• C. Pupil subcultures
• D. Self-fulfilling prophecy

Answer: (D)

This item tests the idea that teachers’ expectations can shape how well students perform, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. When a teacher expects some students to do well, they may offer more encouragement, better feedback, and greater challenge; the students sense this and are often more motivated and put in more effort, leading to better outcomes. On the flip side, if teachers expect certain students to struggle, they may provide less attention or lower expectations, which can reduce students’ effort and achievement, making the original expectation come true.

Other terms describe different school influences. Cultural capital is about the resources students bring from home that help them navigate education. The hidden curriculum refers to the implicit lessons about norms and values learned in school. Pupil subcultures are groups of students who adopt distinct norms in response to schooling.