Reactions to Achievement Behavior From a Teacher and Student Perspective: A Developmental Analysis

Abstract

Participants from first grade through college (N = 168) evaluated the achievement behavior of hypothetical students differing in ability, effort expenditure, and test outcome, both from the perspective of student and teacher. Perceptions of teacher values were consistent over age: Effort and outcome were perceived as highly salient cues for determining degree of teacher rewards and punishment, with student ability level being of little relevance. In contrast, student perspectives indicated a high valuation of ability across all grade levels. Moreover, whereas effort was strongly valued in elementary school, inconsistencies appeared in junior high school such that by high school and college a devaluation of effort occurred. This progressive devaluation was associated with an evolving student belief that low-effort expenditure implies higher ability.