Pygmalion in the Prison Classroom

Abstract

A marked change in student achievement due to teachers' expectations and corresponding favorable treatment is called the "pygmalion effect. " An example of the Pygmalion effect on student interest and comprehension to produce a successful learning experience is demonstrated in a prison classroom at a college-level course on social deviance. This paper illustrates the extent to which the researcher-teacher's prophecy regarding the success of the inmate-students can fulfill itself against seemingly overwhelming odds of contradictory expectations held by the institution staff and, initially, by the students themselves. The contradictory expectations were apparent in the unsolicited statements of staff teacher, and students. Student interest and comprehension were assessed in terms of course completion, classroom discussion, outside of class work, and correct use and personalization of theoretical concepts. The results indicate that the teacher's expectations in combination with subject matter relevant to the students' life experience explains the successful learning experience.