Praising your students.
I praise many of my studens for doing a good job when their tasks are completed. They feel more confident when their mentor recognizes their accomlishments. The student then feels good.I think that not enough instructors pass on good or great news.
I agree. Letting students know they understood the content and giving them a positive reaction is great encouragement from the instructor.
Cecilia,
I agree with you, praise is important and I know that many times teachers are the only cheerleaders for students. However, praise given unduly or too freely negates the whole effect.
Judy Mohammed
Brenda,
It is important to encourage students with positive reinforcement.
Judy Mohammed
In my classes, I like the word "Excellent"
But not just "excellent" but you really have to put some heart and soul into it and mean it. You really have to emphasis it. "Exxxceelllentt" It sounds good, and it makes the student feel like they really accomplished something. Plus it is short, sweet and to the point. I think "Excellent" sounds so much better than just plain "good" or "correct"
It has really worked for me to reinforce the student positively.
Panagiotis,
While I agree with you, I believe "Excellent" has to be earned. I use to give out more excellents, however, I realized that it has mor meaning when it is truly deserved.
Judy Mohammed
I believe that praise is a necessary element in the learning process. Students like to know how a teacher thinks the student is doing in the course. Praise is a motivator. It stimulates the student to go on and achieve additional learning.
Theodore,
I agree with you. Sometimes we may be the only cheerleaders for our students.
Judy Mohammed
I love to praise my students. I feel it lets them know I notice their hard work and I am paying attention.
Brenda,
Most people like to be praised. It is a form of motivations for many.
Judy Mohammed
I agree with you also. I will praise individual students and also praise the whole class for their efforts. When they know I approve of them singly or as a whole I get many more responses.
I couldn't agree more, chef. Oftentimes I offer praise reflexively out of surprise and delight that my students have demonstrated their acquired knowledge. All students need to be made to feel that their efforts are recognized and appreciated, regardless of discipline or area of study.
Charles,
This is very true. They also need to know when they fail as a class. For example, if they do not follow through on assigned projects.
Judy Mohammed
Colin,
I am a great supporter of giving praise, however, I also know that praise should not be given freely; it must be deserved.
Judy Mohammed
I too agree that praise is essential in the classroom setting. Praise will also boost the self esteem of the student. Verbal response is often difficult for students. When a verbal response is correct and praised appropriately, this will encourage more verbal interaction.
Carolyn,
This is true. We all appreciate praise and it should be given when deserved.
Judy Mohammed
As well, I like to praise the class when they do something good and I will let them know when they have failed. I think it is very important for them to know when they succeed and fail so when they are being praised it has more value. Also, when they do fail, I like to discuss with them what we could do to correct this.
Susan,
This is a great practice. Students do not mind being corrected; it is the manner in which e correct them that they object to.
Judy Mohammed
