The Role of Self-fulfilling Prophecy in eLearning Projects
Summary: The Role of Self-fulfilling Prophecy in eLearning Projects
"As it is known and taught today in management and education circles, the notion of the self-fulfilling prophecy was conceptualized by Robert Merton a professor of sociology at Columbia University. In a 1957 work called 'Social Theory and Social Structure', Merton said the phenomenon occurs when 'a false definition of the situation evokes a new behavior which makes the original false conception come true.'"
"In other words, once an expectation is set, even if it isn't accurate, we tend to act in ways that are consistent with that expectation. Surprisingly often, the result is that the expectation, as if by magic, comes true."
- accel TEAM, Employee Motivation, the Organizational Environment and Productivity, Section 2: Importance of Leader Perceptions, The Self-fulfilling Prophecy or Pygmalion Effect: A Management Concept
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1. Believing the best about my partners and expecting good things from them
2. A proactive attitude that initiates conversation that moves us to the project goals.
What beliefs or expectations do you currently hold that can contribute to the failure of this project? How can you mitigate the risk that these beliefs may harm the project?
1. Expecting others to lead me
2. Expecting to do all the leading;
3. Interdependence is required for a collaborative project like this.
4. Doing my part, being proactive, but not bossy will help mitigate negative consequences of a potentially poor social dynamic.
What "filters" do you currently use to perceive, integrate, and communicate information? How have these filters influenced relationships with participants in this project
Perhaps the most negative factor is the insecurity filter. It can be difficult to verbalize questions in a way that doesn't make me feel like a jackass. Fortunately I don't struggle with this in this context.
Think about someone in your group or another group who may be struggling. How can you empower this person to contribute more fully to the success of the project?
Since group hugs may not be appropriate in an educational setting, overwhelming positive reinforcement may be helpful. Some people may struggle so much that even this may not work.
In what ways are you struggling? How can you empower yourself to contribute more fully to the success of the project?
I am struggling to remember to do my weekly question assignments and am wondering whether I can complete previous ones retroactively. I empower myself for success by proactively communicating with group members.