What effect describes how expectations positively impact a student's performance as a form of self-fulfilling prophecy?

The Pygmalion Effect refers to the phenomenon whereby higher expectations lead to improved performance in individuals, particularly in an educational setting. This effect occurs when teachers or peers hold positive expectations for a student's abilities, which in turn influences the student's self-perception and motivates them to perform better. The name of the effect is derived from the Greek myth of Pygmalion, who fell in love with a statue he had created, which then came to life.

In the context of education, when educators believe that certain students are capable of achieving great things, they often provide those students with more attention, support, and encouragement. This enhanced environment fosters greater self-confidence in students, prompting them to strive to meet those expectations. Therefore, the Pygmalion Effect encapsulates the idea that belief in someone's potential can significantly influence their actual performance, making it the correct choice for describing how expectations can lead to improved outcomes for students.