Why Do Teachers Treat Some Students Differently?

As students, most of us have observed teachers favor a particular student or even one group of students over others. Inevitably, we have all asked ourselves why they are doing it.

Some teachers favor students who excel. Teachers may justifiably treat students differently if they need more attention and help to improve their classroom performance. Although it is inappropriate, some teachers also bring societal biases into the classroom.

In this article, we will explore why some teachers show favoritism to students, discuss the harmful effects of classroom bias, and find ways teachers can prevent exhibiting favoritism in the classroom. We will also discuss instances where teachers may justifiably treat students differently due to poor performance or domestic issues. Keep reading to learn more.

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Why Do Some Teachers Show Favoritism Among Their Students?

Teachers are human beings, too. Like everyone else, they admire qualities they view as positive or exceptional. In this sense, they are no different from parents, who often have a “favorite” among their children, however much they might try not to, or an employer with a “favorite” employee they can rely on in crunch situations.

It is not unusual for teachers to show favoritism, especially when they see positive characteristics in a student they want others to emulate. Most teachers appreciate qualities such as respect, attentiveness, diligence in submitting work, and perseverance in their students. Teachers may also feel that some students are easier to teach than others.

On the other hand, teachers are part of broader society and often bring their own perspectives into a classroom. A 2018 study published in Global Social Sciences Review found some teachers discriminated against students based on gender, race, political ideology, and blood relations, among other factors. Students from a similar background as teachers received more favors.

Often teachers may not even be aware they are showing favoritism, even when their bias is perceived by others, including students, colleagues, and parents. When favored students are perceived as getting more privileges and permissions compared to the rest of the group, it can build resentment toward the teacher or the school.

To get more insight about favoritism in the classroom, here’s a YouTube video by One Fab Teacher that shares her experiences in dealing with it:

Harmful Effects of Showing Favoritism in the Classroom

While it doesn’t seem evident at first glance, showing favoritism can harm students.

Showing favoritism toward a student or group of students can make the rest of the class antagonistic to or let down by the teacher who exhibits bias. Those not perceived to be favored by the teacher may refrain from participating in class activities. It can also cause unwarranted rivalry among students to get the teacher’s favor.

An article published in the South Florida Sun Sentinel in 2007 suggests that students considered “teacher’s pets” as viewed with mistrust and disdain. The “teacher’s pet” can become a point of suspicion when something terrible happens in the classroom, hurting the student’s self-esteem and interactions with other students. This scenario can become a cause of bullying as well.

How To Avoid Favoritism in the Classroom

Ideally, teachers should avoid favoritism under all but the most exceptional circumstances. This best maintains a harmonious relationship between teachers and students, as well as among students themselves.

If you are a teacher, here are some ways you can prevent exhibiting favoritism to your students:

Follow your school’s model code of conduct for teachers to ensure you treat all students fairly.
Reflect on your behavior and emotions to see if you treat students differently based on performance in class.

Be fair in assessing your students’ performance. Focus on the quality of the work and rate them using objective metrics or rubrics rather than looking at their names. Some teachers go so far as to ask students not to put names or distinguishing marks that can identify them on the work they submit.
Ensure that every student participates in class activities. You can do this by putting all your students’ names on popsicle sticks or index cards which you can use to select them randomly so everyone gets a turn to join in class activities. Some apps and websites help teachers randomly assign students to activities.

Students Needing Help May Require Special Attention

Some students cannot follow classroom discussions and may lag behind the rest of the class, affecting their grades. Others may be experiencing domestic issues, affecting their focus in their classes. Instances like these may require teachers to be more hands-on with them and provide appropriate support.

Poorly-Performing Students

Teachers may employ more direct teaching methods to help students who are experiencing difficulty understanding a topic or lesson.

In a study published in Education Research International in 2020, elementary school teachers in the Netherlands were found to be interacting with their poorly-performing pupils at significantly higher rates compared to high achievers. These students were also given more opportunities to join class activities and provided feedback that exhibited teachers’ control over their learning.

To prevent favoritism in this instance, teachers should be able to provide fair opportunities for everyone and give the high-achievers enrichment opportunities so that they won’t feel they are being left on their own in favor of poorly-performing students.

Students With Issues at Home

Teachers sometimes show compassion and support students going through domestic issues that their peers may not be aware of.

They may enlist the help of a guidance counselor or social worker if they see signs of a student undergoing domestic issues such as poor performance, extreme mood swings or reactions that weren’t noticed in the past, or signs of physical abuse.

Final Thoughts

Like most people, teachers often have their own preferences and prejudices. However, favoritism in a classroom can lead to interpersonal issues between teachers and students and among the students themselves.

So, as far as possible, teachers will want to ensure fairness in how they deal with their students and assess their performance to ensure that every student feels valued. However, some students will need more support from their teachers. This should not be viewed as favoritism but as a part of a teacher’s job.