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The Impact of Effective Praise in Educational Settings
The insight of Ken Blanchard, author of “One Minute Manager,” resonates deeply in educational environments: “Catch someone doing something right.” This philosophy highlights the significant impact a few well-chosen words can have on students. A simple acknowledgment can ignite motivation and inspire action, while a negative comment can lead to discouragement and disengagement. Simply put, language has a profound influence, shaping the emotional landscape for those who hear it.
In both educational and professional contexts, using praise effectively fosters stronger relationships and a more positive communication atmosphere. This practice is not just a trendy concept within positive psychology; it is supported by extensive research demonstrating that students of all ages benefit from affirmative feedback. For instance, findings from Vanderbilt University indicate that for every negative comment a student encounters, they require at least four positive remarks to maintain emotional balance, while other sources suggest a ratio as high as 9:1.
In my experience as an elementary school principal and college instructor, I have noticed striking parallels in how praise can effectively influence individuals, whether young or adult learners. Regardless of age, the classroom environment thrives on positivity.
Key Principles for Effective Praise
To harness the power of praise in teaching, consider these five essential strategies:
1. Praise Effort Over Talent
While comments like “You are so talented” may seem uplifting, they can inadvertently lead students to rely solely on innate ability rather than hard work. Research indicates that emphasizing ability rather than effort can diminish a student’s willingness to embrace challenges. Conversely, recognizing the hard work a student invests in their tasks encourages them to continue striving in the future. For example, using phrases such as “I can see you dedicated a lot of effort to your presentation,” can be more effective than vague compliments.
2. Highlight Progress Over Outcomes
Adopting a “growth mindset” is crucial in combating feelings of inadequacy while promoting mental well-being. Acknowledging progress, rather than fixating on final results, cultivates a healthier learning atmosphere. For instance, feedback like “You’ve made fantastic improvements since the last evaluation! Keep it up!” reinforces students’ motivation to advance.
3. Be Specific
Behavior-specific praise (BSP) has been shown to yield positive results in educational settings. Each instance of praise should connect directly to a specific action observed, rather than making broad statements. One study found that teachers who utilized praise notes instead of punishment for tardiness significantly reduced students’ late arrivals. This approach also applies to adult learners; personalized feedback is more beneficial than generic commendations. An online educator might say, “I appreciate how thoughtfully you addressed that differing opinion in our online discussions.”
4. Maintain Sincerity and Honesty
Inauthentic praise can be detrimental, as it may give the impression that a teacher is being disingenuous or trying to mask negative feedback. It’s important to maintain consistent messaging across all interactions with students. Utilizing comment banks can help online instructors provide uniform feedback while ensuring sincerity in their communications.
5. Use Public Praise Judiciously
While younger students generally enjoy being praised publicly, older students may find this uncomfortable. As social awareness develops, they might feel pressured by public acknowledgment. Therefore, private praise is often more appreciated by high school students and adults, unless the intent is to illustrate a broader lesson to the entire group.
Ultimately, praise serves as a vital tool for educators and team leaders, requiring just a brief moment to recognize and affirm positive behaviors. However, that simple act of acknowledgment can profoundly impact those under their guidance. What methods or phrases of praise have you found to foster a more constructive environment in your teaching or leadership experiences?
Source
www.higheredjobs.com