Multiple researches have already proven that attractive people are generally believed to

have a more positive countenance than unattractive people. This theory is called the
attractiveness stereotype. The attractiveness stereotype is a phenomenon that has tremendous
impact on a wide range of areas employment, social life and ironically education. Physical
attractiveness may actually play a previously overlooked role in classroom learning (Richard
Westfall, 2016). In fact, students academic performance noticeably improves when they are
taught by attractive lectures, even in online classes, it is therefore not distracting to learn when
lectures are attractive.
Contrary to popular belief, having an attractive lecturer is a bonus. This is simply because
rather than distracting students, attractive lectures command attention. Lets consider the facts
when an attractive individual enters a room their attire and presence often makes them quite
noticeable. They are even sometimes perceived as confident a concept explored by many who
have studied the attractiveness stereotype. Imagine the benefits of this in the classroom; students
will no doubt gravitate towards such a persona. However, commanding attention doesnt stand
alone; instead it triggers a change reaction. That is once the students attention has been
grabbed they become more attentive. Naturally, paying attention equals improved performance.
A study, the Effect Of Instructor Attractiveness published in the Journal of General Psychology
enlightens us about the fact that students learn best from attractive lecturers (which suggests
that attractive lecturers) are not actually distracting. In this study, one hundred and thirty-one
students from the University of Nevada listened to a twenty minute physics audio lecture while
the photo of the lecturer speaking was on a computer screen. Students were not allowed to take
notes and were tested after the lesson. Students with the attractive lectured scored higher than
those with the unattractive lecturer. In addition, the attractive lecturer also received a better
evaluation from students as opposed to the unattractive lecturer.
Another reason for us knowing that students are not distracted by attractive lecturers is
the fact that they strive to do well to gain the favors of these lecturers. This reaction is a natural
human instinct. Human beings yearn for acceptance and students, being human are not different.
Working to be liked by a lecturer isnt a bad thing. Al l this means is that a student will study
twice as hard, always be punctual, participate in class activities and score high marks. That isnt
a bad idea, is it? Let us not forget that lectures are more important set of role models in students
life. In a bid to be liked by an attractive lecturer students may also seek to emulate them. This
includes developing good attributes like being industrious-a group from which erudite is not
exempt. We can therefore infer that by striving to be liked by a lecturer simply because he or she
is attractive is not a negative thing but is instead another way to achieve the goal of education.
Opposing conversationalists may assiduously argue that attractive lecturers are indeed
distracting. A distraction according to dictionary.com refers to that which divides attention or
prevents concentration. Do you really think that the education system c an successfully illude

a womans natural beauty or a mans rugged physique? They may suggest that this is simply a
matter of human nature which in and of itself is a distraction. Studies have however contradicted
this belief. The apparent beneficial effects of an attractive lecturer were the same regardless of
whether the lecturer and students were the same sex or not, which indicated the effect is
cognitive in nature, to do which motivation, attention and expectations, rather than to do with
sexual interest. Therefore, the effects of physical attractiveness are not driven by human
attraction and mating behavior but is more global in origin according to lead author Dr Richard
Westfall.
So do the new findings suggest that schools should hire better looking lecturers? Not
necessarily, it would be a bonus though. Let us not forget or undermine the key credentials that
lecturers should have such as proper qualifications and effectiveness in imparting knowledge. Let
us also establish that a good student would not allow something as frivolous as attractiveness to
act as a barrier to their educational development. The student would remain focused on the
greater goal. In conclusion we can declare that having an attractive lecturer is simply icing on the
cake.