What concept refers to the idea that teachers may treat students differently based on their preconceived notions of the students' abilities?

The concept that refers to the notion that teachers may treat students differently based on their preconceived beliefs about those students' abilities is teacher expectancy. This principle arises from the idea that a teacher's expectations can influence student performance; if a teacher anticipates a student to excel, they may provide more support and opportunities for learning, thereby reinforcing the student's achievements. Conversely, if a teacher has low expectations for a student, they may offer less encouragement, which can hinder the student’s performance and growth.

This concept is well-supported by research, as it shows that teacher perceptions can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies in educational settings, where a student lives up to or down to the expectations that are set for them.

While educational bias can relate to a broader range of prejudiced attitudes towards certain groups of students, it does not specifically capture the dynamic of expectations influencing teacher-student interactions as effectively as teacher expectancy does. The expectancy effect, while relevant, primarily highlights the outcome of these expectations on student performance rather than the differential treatment aspect. Student perception, on the other hand, focuses on how students view themselves or their environment, which is separate from the teacher's expectations.