Praise versus Encouragement
The words and actions of teachers can act as encouragement when the focus is on the learner and the process of learning, or they can act as praise when the focus of teacher attention is on the product or outcome of learning. The distinction between praise and encouragement is important. Students can't receive praise if they have not learned, but they can get encouragement to help them learn.
Many teachers believe that praising students will stimulate them to behave appropriately and this is often true if students can accomplish the task required. When praise is reserved only for difficult tasks or given too freely, it loses its effect. It may be interpreted by students as manipulation and be seen by them as meaning that they have measured up to another's arbitary standards.
Encouragement always involves the student and their efforts to learn, whereas the focus of praise should always be student behavior.
Typical statements of praise and their encouragement equivalents are:
Praise |
Encouragement |
| 'I
am please that you topped the history test.' |
'I
see that you enjoy studying history.' |
| 'Ten
out of ten, good girl!' |
'You
must really enjoy maths!' |
| 'You
were the best violinist at the concert!' |
'You
have really practiced hard on the violin this year.' |
| 'You
are the best monitor we have, Sandra!' |
'
I appreciate your help in the classroom Sandra.' |
| 'You
have the neatest writing in the class.' |
'Looks
as though you are really enjoying your writing.' |
| I
am so proud of your artwork. |
'It
is nice to see that you enjoy art.' |
A two part interactive Teacher Teaser may be found below. Part one focuses on identifying whether a statement is either praise or encouragement. Part two focuses on principles that best describes the use of praise.
Instructions:
Simply click on your choice from the options provided, feedback will be immediate.
Part 1.
Identify each of the following statements as either praise or encouragement by clicking on the appropriate button.
'You have taken a good deal of care with your assignment'.
'That's a difficult problem but I am sure you will work it out'.
'I am proud of you for behaving so well at the sports carnival'.
'Sally and Jane are such great helpers to me'.
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