The document discusses interactionist approaches to understanding education. Interactionists believe that human behavior is influenced by how individuals perceive themselves based on interactions with others, rather than being determined by external forces alone. The research of David Hargreaves found that teachers initially categorized students based on attributes like appearance, ability, likability, and conformity. These initial categorizations often led to stereotyping, known as the "halo effect." Further research found that teacher labeling of students as bright or thick could become self-fulfilling prophecies, influencing how students perceived and performed themselves.