In Praise of Praise

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The end of the marking period is a natural time for reflection. Teachers wonder what they and their students could have done differently to increase success. Were students working to their full potential?

 This week Edutopia posted an article on "How to Counter Students' Learned Helplessness." Often the term learned helplessness is associated with students not trying unless a teacher helps, but the article expands upon how this may show up in the classroom:

Refusal to accept help, even if the teacher repeatedly offers it

Frustration leading to easily giving up

Disengagement from effort

Lack of motivation

Diminished self-worth and self-efficacy (such as providing a myriad of reasons why solutions will not work)

There were several practices shared to help address learned helplessness, but one that resonated was praising and encouraging effort (as opposed to achievement). Both our recent work with Erin Dunn and another recent Edutopia post have illuminated research about how powerful praise is for both student wellness and academic engagement. The takeaway:

While reprimands are sometimes unavoidable—and praise isn’t a panacea—working to raise the ratio of praise to reprimands is likely to improve student engagement and classroom productivity.

The power of praise, both in and out of the classroom, is backed by research, with a general goal of 5 praise statements to every 1 correction. So aside from being mindful to increase our praise of students' specific efforts, what else can teachers do to move their praise to correction ratio in the right direction?

• Describe the observed behaviors and make a positive remark. (Ex: “You held the door open for your classmates on your own initiative, Savannah. Major props!")

• Place sticky notes or posters where you can see them with reminders: “Emphasize effort,” “Praise diligence,” “Fail forward!" etc.

• Work with students to set bite-size goals, and praise in a big way when they achieve each goal.

• Consider keeping a chart to help you make an intentional effort to connect with and praise all students.