How can 'confirmation bias' affect educational outcomes?

The concept of confirmation bias refers to the tendency for individuals to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or expectations. In an educational context, this can significantly impact outcomes by influencing how teachers perceive and interact with their students.

When teachers hold certain expectations about a student's abilities—whether high or low—confirmation bias can lead them to unintentionally favor information and behaviors that align with these expectations. For example, if a teacher believes a student is particularly gifted, they may notice and reinforce that student's successes more readily while overlooking challenges or areas for improvement. Conversely, if a teacher has lower expectations for a student, they may focus on negative behaviors or academic struggles, which can hinder the student's development and motivation.

This biased approach can create a feedback loop where students' performance aligns more closely with teachers' expectations, irrespective of the students' actual capabilities or effort levels. Therefore, the potential for confirmation bias can lead to an unequal treatment of students, which directly affects their learning experiences and ultimately their educational outcomes.