Can you help with some definitions ??? :]?

Question

Can anyone define this word for me and make it easy enough for me to understand . thanks loads in advance :]

The word is --> self fulfilling prophecy

Answer 1

This is a prophecy that makes itself come true.

For example  a teacher is told that her class of pupils are thick and will not amount to anything ..this is the prophecy.

Because of this prophecy the teacher may consciously or unconsciously think ..'Well what's the point in wasting all my time and attention on this lot' and therefore teach them in a half hearted manner and with disinterest.

The pupils will pick up on this and think ' well teacher obviously thinks we've got no hope, what's the point in trying'?

Thus the prophecy has fulfilled itself simply by being made..  the pupils become underachievers arising from poor teaching and lack of self belief... factors that would not have arisen but for the prophecy.

Hope this helps!