Feel free to also add a link, image or video that will help us better understand your thoughts!  :)

Pls take a look at the following weblink for the P6 teachers' reponses to the 3 Qns...

HAMIDAH: Yes, May. Sharing does wonders. And you guys are doing great with all that sharing going on in the level during TT.

HAMIDAH: Yes, it is true that everyone's born with it but standards set can determine how far one gets. So, it is important that we as teachers keep reviewing our set of standards and expectations.

Mahdiah: I agree with your opinion, Mrs Toon. Each pupil has the ability to learn although their pace differs. Thus, it is vital that we set our expectations based on each child's ability instead of summarising it as a whole.

Gracelyn:

I agree wth mrs toon that we need to set the right targets for each pupil as we should know the pace of each of our pupils and tailor our teaching to their individual needs. While each of them have differing abilities, I feel that our standards and expectations of them should be the best it can get in order not to shortchange our pupils in any way. While some can reach your expectation fast, some can take a longer time. But that should ideally not matter as long as they reach the goal.

Choon Lan: Yep I totally agree with Mahdiah.  We need to set different targets and expectations for pupils with different abilities.

Although we must have the conviction that all students can achieve in school (ie The Incrementalist Theory), we must also custom-made our expectations and standards to suit our pupils' abilities.

May - I agree with Mahdiah :)

Normah: I agree that that expectations need to outlined at the start of the lesson. I think it is also useful to remind pupils of the expectations at various checkpoints of the lesson. If this is routinely conducted, pupils will be aware of the expectations without having ask to.

Mrs Toon: Responses from teachers are always an encouragment for the pupils. The feedback encourages pupils to do more.

Mdm Tong : I agree

HAMIDAH: I like what you said about keeping an open mind. I feel that it works both ways. For teachers and pupils.  

By providing an optimal condition/environment for pupils to thrive, we can expect better results from the pupils. Such environment conditions include giving positive expectation messages, investing in discovering ways to build pupils' confidence, adjusting our expectations to meet the different learning needs just to name a few.

Faiqah: I agree that we need to create a conducive environment to guarantee pupils' success.

Mary: I agree.

May - Indeed, it is important to be positive.

Hi Malinda, I agree with you on the "one size fits all" mentality. We cannot expect all our students to learn at the same rate or meet standards at the same time. Rani : )

It helps both teachers and pupils to know what is happening in class for the lesson

Hi Vignes, I agree with your comments. Setting expectations for my pupils is a big area which I am still working on. Mui2

A theory teaching that people will act/behave in the way that others expect them to. ( similiar to concept self fulfilling concept) 

Nature vs Nurture

Nurture is what we should believe in. If  you believe in Nature, then what are we here for. We should be jobless.

Of course, intelligence is incremental but if we suit our learning style to meet the needs of the different pupils in our midst that is where nurture comes into play.,  Just look at what MOE is doing with its programmes such as LSP, LSM, SDR, RRP and many more. Doesn't it show that as teachers, we can and are here to make the difference in our pupils' lives. 

(3) To be able and willing to reflect on past actions means I truly wish to improve on my ability to bring out the best in pupils. It is another area that I am still working on.

Rani : Hey Mui Mui.  Reflection by a teacher is so key to becoming a skillful teacher. N yes we are all on the journey of making improvements to become better! : ) HI Five! We are getting there !

Our expectations and standards should not be lowered just to accomodate pupils who experience disadvantages as compared to the rest. Just as long as we make ourselves clear, our kids will be able to understand our expectations of them and know we believe in them to rise up to it - They will respond accordingly!

Devi : Agree with what you said. Your comments are very similiar to mine.

As teachers, we understand that pupils learn differently. Thus, we need to find the right strategies to help every pupil gain a good grasp of the different concepts. At the same time, we need to motivate pupils to give their best effort.  Getting pupils to experience success after their hard work would help  to increase their motivation to improve.

I think that being smart is at least partially achieved by working hard and working smart. Use it or lose it.

I think we should reflect on standards and expectations as these are inherently dynamic. My expectations of any one child will change as he or she achieves and improves through schooling life. In should be able to reflect accordingly so that I can assess if my expectations are too high or low at a given point in time

From my own experience, to have high academic expectations, we must first have high standards of behaviour. It cannot be the other way round. If we expect our students to achieve high academic standards, we need to concentrate on establishing a climate of high behavior standards in class and in school. Academic targets are not useful if students are not aware of and do not learn the processes of working and learning together respectfully.  Once high standards of behavior are successfully implemented in class and consistently agreed and maintained by all teachers, we can then move with ease into working on academic expectations and excellence. 

As educator we are confronted with differences in children every day in the classroom; differences in readiness to learn, in speed of learning, in motivation and academic performance. Students clearly have different aptitudes but they all do have enough to reach their individual potential. Hence, setting standards and expectations will be different not only between children but changes with time.

- to meet the needs of the students effectively

- to upgrade/sharpen/hone our professional skills  

- to make appropriate adjustments in the society/culture that is constantly evolving  

We need to guard against our bias against how the children can perform. Holding the class to the same high standards but having different expectations of pupils could have a detrimental effect on their achievements. In the classroom, there are little giveaway clues to pupils - who does the teacher call to answer the easy / difficult questions, who are given the roles to lead the group and more important appointment in class.

The teacher has to believe every pupil has the potential to achieve and believe in their capacity.

Why is it important for us as educators to continually reflect on our beliefs about standards & expectations?

I think teachers have to know that different pupils have different learning needs and pace, thus, when designing assignment, we have to make sure we factor this into considerations so as to motivate pupils to continue improving in the areas of weaknesses.

I agree that smart is something that we get by using the correct techniques, supported by consistent and conscientious effort.

As for the topic on whether being smart is something you are born with or something that you can achieve by being hardworking, I guess it all depends on individual.  Personally, if someone is being born smart, that's a bonus.  If someone is not, I believe with hard work and perseverance, you can still succeed in whatever you set you mind to it.

P.S How I reset the expectation is by reciting the following sentence: Marks are important. But marks do NOT define who you are. :)