In our article “What Is The Role Of Expectations In Both TLAC And The growth mindset, And How Can They Be Set Effectively?”, we explore how setting clear expectations helps everyone succeed. We talk about how teachers can manage classroom behavior and reduce their own stress by using strategies from Teach Like a Champion (TLAC). We also look at how having a growth mindset, where we believe we can get better with effort, helps students thrive. Our goal is to show how important it is for everyone—teachers, students, and parents—to know what to expect and how to set these expectations in a helpful way.
In primary schools, it’s important for us to help students behave well and support teachers so they don’t feel too stressed. We also need to help parents understand what to expect from their children’s learning journey. By setting clear expectations, we can all work together to create a happy and productive school environment.
What Is The Role Of Expectations In Both TLAC And The Growth Mindset, And How Can They Be Set Effectively?
Have you ever wondered why some kids do better in school than others? Or why some teachers seem to have easier classroom management? It all comes down to expectations! This may sound like a big word, but don’t worry – we’re here to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand.
What Are Expectations?
Expectations are the things we believe or hope will happen. Imagine you’re planting a garden. If you plant seeds, you expect them to grow into flowers or vegetables, right? In the same way, teachers, students, and even parents have expectations about school and learning.
Why Are Expectations Important?
Expectations shape our behavior and our thinking. When we have positive expectations, we’re more likely to try hard and succeed. When our expectations are low, we might not put in much effort because we don’t believe success is possible.
Expectations in TLAC (Teach Like a Champion)
Teach Like a Champion (TLAC) is a guide for teachers to help students learn better. It teaches them about setting high expectations for everyone.
Expectations in the Growth Mindset
The Growth Mindset is the belief that we can get better at something if we practice and keep trying. Just like learning to ride a bike wasn’t easy the first time, but got easier the more we practiced.
How Are They Connected?
Both TLAC and the Growth Mindset focus on believing that everyone can improve and do great things. They show us that positive expectations help us grow and learn better. Let’s dig deeper into how these ideas work and how we can set expectations effectively.
Understanding TLAC
What is TLAC?
Teach Like a Champion (TLAC) is a book written by Doug Lemov. It shares many ideas to help teachers become better at their job. TLAC uses practical techniques that teachers can use in their classrooms right away.
Why Does TLAC Matter?
TLAC matters because it gives teachers tools to set high expectations for their students. When teachers believe in their students’ ability to succeed, they motivate them to work hard and do their best.
Key Techniques of TLAC
Some of the key techniques from TLAC include:
- 100%: Getting 100% of students to follow instructions.
- No Opt Out: Ensuring every student participates.
- Cold Call: Calling on students to answer questions even if they haven’t raised their hand.
- Stretch It: Encouraging students to go deeper in their answers.
These techniques help teachers set high expectations and hold their students accountable.
Understanding the Growth Mindset
What is Growth Mindset?
The Growth Mindset is an idea developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. It’s all about believing that we can get better with effort and practice.
Why Does Growth Mindset Matter?
The Growth Mindset matters because it encourages us to keep trying even when things are hard. It helps us see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Key Principles of Growth Mindset
Some key principles of Growth Mindset include:
- Effort is Key: Success comes from hard work, not just natural talent.
- Learning from Mistakes: Mistakes are chances to learn and improve.
- Persistence: Keep trying, even when it’s tough.
This mindset helps students tackle challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
The Role of Expectations in TLAC
Setting High Expectations
In TLAC, setting high expectations means believing that all students can achieve great things. Teachers use different strategies to make sure their students understand what’s expected of them.
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| 100% | Ensuring every student follows instructions. |
| No Opt Out | Making sure all students participate in learning activities. |
| Cold Call | Calling on any student to answer questions, keeping them engaged. |
| Stretch It | Encouraging deeper thinking by asking follow-up questions. |
These techniques show students that their teacher expects them to pay attention, participate, and think deeply about their answers.
Holding Students Accountable
Accountability means making sure students are responsible for their actions and their learning. When teachers set high expectations, they also hold students accountable to meet those expectations.
| Accountability Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Feedback | Giving students feedback to help them understand what they’re doing well and where they can improve. |
| Consistent Consequences | Having clear rules and consequences so students know what to expect. |
| Praise and Encouragement | Recognizing students’ hard work and celebrating their successes. |
This creates a classroom environment where everyone knows what’s expected and works hard to meet those expectations.
The Role of Expectations in Growth Mindset
Believing in Improvement
In a Growth Mindset, setting expectations means believing that everyone has the ability to improve. It’s about showing students that with effort and practice, they can get better at anything.
Encouraging Effort Over Results
Instead of focusing only on the final results, a Growth Mindset encourages effort and progress. Here’s how:
| Expectation Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Praise Effort | Recognizing when students are trying hard, even if they haven’t succeeded yet. |
| Celebrate Progress | Highlighting small improvements and celebrating each step forward. |
| Learn from Mistakes | Encouraging students to see mistakes as learning opportunities, not failures. |
This helps students understand that the effort they put in is just as important as the outcome.
Developing Resilience
Resilience means being able to bounce back from setbacks. When we set expectations that focus on improvement and effort, we help students develop the resilience to keep going even when things are tough.
How Can Expectations Be Set Effectively?
Clear Communication
One of the most important parts of setting expectations is being clear. Both teachers and parents need to communicate their expectations in a way that children can understand.
| Communication Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple Language | Using words that children understand to explain what’s expected of them. |
| Consistent Messages | Making sure the expectations stay the same over time and in different situations. |
| Visual Aids | Using charts, pictures, or other visual tools to help explain expectations. |
Modeling Behavior
Children learn a lot by watching adults. When teachers and parents show the behavior they expect, children are more likely to follow.
| Modeling Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Lead by Example | Demonstrating the behaviors and attitudes we want children to adopt. |
| Positive Reinforcement | Rewarding positive behavior to encourage children to repeat it. |
| Consistency | Being consistent in our actions so children know what to expect. |
Providing Support
For children to meet expectations, they need support from the adults around them. This means offering help and encouragement as they work towards their goals.
| Support Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer Help | Being available to assist children when they’re struggling. |
| Encourage Self-Reflection | Helping children think about their actions and how they can improve. |
| Celebrate Successes | Recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how small. |
Managing Discipline, Stress, and Expectations
Balancing Discipline and Expectations
To manage pupil’s discipline effectively, teachers need to balance strict expectations with understanding and support.
| Discipline Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Clear Rules | Having clear, understandable rules for behavior. |
| Fair Consequences | Applying consequences fairly and consistently. |
| Positive Reinforcement | Using rewards to encourage good behavior. |
Managing Teachers’ Stress
Teachers need to manage their own stress to effectively set and uphold high expectations.
| Stress Management Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Manage Workload | Organizing tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed. |
| Self-Care | Taking time for activities that relax and rejuvenate. |
| Seek Support | Talking to colleagues or professionals about stress. |
Meeting Parents’ Expectations
Parents also have expectations, and managing these can be challenging for teachers.
| Managing Parental Expectations | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Communication | Keeping parents informed about their child’s progress. |
| Involve Parents | Encouraging parents to participate in their child’s learning. |
| Set Realistic Goals | Helping parents understand what’s achievable and setting realistic goals for their child. |
Practical Tips for Setting Expectations in Primary Schools
For Teachers
- Be Clear and Specific: Tell students exactly what you expect them to do.
- Use Positive Language: Frame expectations in a positive way, focusing on what students should do instead of what they shouldn’t.
- Provide Examples: Show students examples of what meeting expectations looks like.
- Follow Through: Make sure to follow through with consequences and praise as needed to maintain those expectations.
For Parents
- Communicate with Teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s teacher to understand their expectations.
- Set a Routine: Help your children set a daily routine that aligns with the school’s expectations.
- Encourage Effort: Praise your child for their effort, not just their grades.
- Be Involved: Participate in school activities and show interest in what your child is learning.
Conclusion
Expectations are powerful tools that shape how we learn and grow. By setting high expectations and supporting students through techniques like those in TLAC and the Growth Mindset, we create an environment where everyone can succeed. Teachers, parents, and students all play a role in this process. Clear communication, modeling positive behavior, and providing support are key to making high expectations effective. Together, we can help all students achieve their best in school and beyond.
