High expectations in higher education

What is the research about?
My research will focus on high expectations in higher education.

Why?
Teachers play a crucial role when it comes to students’ achievements. One of the most effective ways to make a difference is by communicating expectations. Teachers’ expectations of their students appear to have a major influence on students’ learning outcomes. This works both ways: high expectations have a positive effect on the achievement of students (Pygmalion effect), low expectations have a negative effect on the achievement (Golem effect). Showing high expectations will not only lead to better achievements, it will also lead to a higher degree of involvement, (intrinsic) motivation, and self-efficacy. Showing low expectations will on its turn have a negative impact. Nevertheless, communicating high expectations does not appear that straightforward. Teachers must consciously learn to make high expectations explicit in their verbal and nonverbal behaviour. An intervention, for example Coaching for Learning, might help in this respect. Although there is scientific consensus on high expectations, most of the research is done in primary and secondary education. Next to that, the literature suggests that there is a) need for an unambiguous way to measure teachers’ expectations, b) it also suggests that too little work has been done when it comes to teacher expectation interventions, and c) we need to know more of the perceptions of behaviour of teachers and students as it can influence high expectations. Time to broaden our knowledge on these gaps. Therefore, this research will mainly focus on high expectations, the communicating thereof among teachers, and on its effect on (perceived) teacher behaviour and student attitudes. Hence the aim of this PhD research is to (1) operationalize the concept of high expectations for higher education; (2) developing a validated measurement tool to map expectations that higher education teachers have of their students; and (3) to investigate the effects.

Want to know more?
Should you have any questions, remarks, or do you fancy further information? That shows such lovely enthusiasm and curiosity. You can contact me on julianne.deleeuwe@wur.nl or leejh@hr.nl

Predecessors and inspirations?
When it comes to research in the field of high expectations one should mention:
a) founding fathers Rosenthal and Jacobsen
b) leading lady Rubie-Davies
c) Dutch discoverer Timmermans
d) many more. If you would like some extra inspiration, feel free to contact me.

When it comes to my work:
a) Promotor prof. dr. Perry den Brok (Wageningen University)
b) Co-promotor dr. Lia Voerman (Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences)

#Expectations #HighExpectations #HigherEducation #WUR #RUAS #HogeschoolRotterdam