Teacher expectations and learners – UGC NET Question

Statements A, C, D and F correctly explain that expectations shape teacher behaviour, influence motivation, can introduce bias and can be examined to reduce stereotyping. Statement B is wrong because high expectations, when combined with appropriate support, generally benefit rather than harm low-achieving students. Statement E is also wrong because teacher expectations do affect interaction patterns, such as attention, questioning and feedback. Thus, the wrong statements are B and E only, so option A is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A identifies B and E as the incorrect statements, accurately reflecting that they misrepresent the role and impact of teacher expectations on learners and classroom processes. It excludes A, C, D and F, which provide sound explanations consistent with research on expectations. Since it includes all and only the wrong statements, B and E only is the correct combination.

Option B:
Option B selects only B as wrong and overlooks E, even though E denies the well-documented link between expectations and interaction patterns. Because both B and E are incorrect, identifying only B leads to an incomplete answer. Therefore B only cannot be accepted.

Option C:
Option C singles out E as wrong but fails to note that B also misrepresents the potential benefits of high expectations when combined with support. Ignoring this additional incorrect statement means E only is insufficient. Hence option C is not correct.

Option D:
Option D combines B, C and E but treats C as wrong despite it accurately emphasising that belief in students' abilities can raise motivation and effort. Including a true statement among the supposed wrong ones makes this set logically inconsistent. Thus B, C and E only cannot be the right answer.

Option E includes A, B and E as wrong statements, but A is a true statement describing how expectations influence academic performance through teacher behaviour. Misclassifying A as wrong undermines the evidence on expectation effects. Consequently A, B and E only is not a valid answer.

Option F groups B, E and F, but F is a true statement pointing out that reflecting on expectations can help reduce stereotyping. Labelling F as wrong along with B and E shows confusion about reflective practice. Therefore B, E and F only cannot be considered correct.