# Foundations and Assessment of Education/Edition 1/Foundations Table of Contents/Chapter 11/11.5.2

Learning Targets
a) Differentiate between intelligence and effort praise and identify which one is more effective in a classroom setting
b) Distinguish how much praise in a classroom is beneficial to a student's future
c) Give reasons and examples as to why praising a student is important and the emotional positives it has on students
Introduction
The question now raised is how much praise is too much and what exactly should be praised?
As humans, we prefer to be praised for our correct efforts than be criticized for what we did wrong. We are a society that thrives on individual recognition. As teachers, we need to criticize and praise our students but need to explore and research how to praise students and determine what is beneficial and what is damaging.
Honest Feedback
* 'I do not believe you can give anyone self esteem, but you can create an environment where it can grow.' ( J.D. Hawkins, 2000)
Intelligence Praise or Effort Praise
* To see a video on how children should be praised, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqo4c-FlFGE
Like a Cheerleader
Effective Praise
Praise is very effective in the classroom. Praise gives students information on how valuable their accomplishments are. Students who are praised often, better appreciate their thinking and problem solving skills and know that the teacher expects the same effort in the future. Not only is praise a teacher's way of expressing appreciation but it encourages students to appreciate their own work giving them a sense of self gratification (Kizlik, 2009).
Conclusion
In my opinion, I believe that praise should be used in the classroom but used in a way that is effective to the student. My research has found that there is no evidence that praise should not be used at all in the classroom. The argument is rather what type of praise is positive and how often praise should be given. I agree that effort praise should be used in the classroom. A good balance of praise and criticism should be given. There are no perfect people in this world and until then everyone including young and old students should be given honest feedback even if it is not what they want to here. Although I believe honest feedback should be given, adults and educators [alike] need to give a solution as to how a student or child can improve.
References
CTER. (2007). Retrieved February 7, 2009 from the CTER Wiki: http://www.wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/Praise.
Delision, Ellen. (2000). Can adults praise children too much? Retrieved February 7, 2009 from http://www.education-world.com/a_curr302.shtml.
Hitz, R., Driscoll, A. (1989). Praise in the classroom. Retrieved February 7, 2009 from http://ericdigests.org/pre-9213/praise.htm.
Kizlik, Bob. (2009). Education information for new and future teachers. Retrieved February 7, 2009 from http://www.adprima.com/managing.htm.
Questions
a. when a teacher emphasizes to a student that they did well because they are smart
b. when a teacher emphasizes the student's success because of their hard work
c. when a teacher emphasizes the student's success because of teamwork
d. when a teacher emphasizes to a student that they did well because they were intelligent enough to ask the teacher for help
2. Which is the correct definition for effort praise?
a. when a teacher emphasizes to a student that they did well because they were intelligent enough to ask the teacher for help
b. when a teacher emphasizes to a student that they did well because they are smart
c. when a teacher emphasizes the student's success because of teamwork
d. when a teacher emphasizes the student's success because of their hard work
3. Michelle turns in an assignment and her teacher tells her, 'Your research was excellent, Good work.' The following week Michelle works really hard on her next research paper to impress her teacher as she had in the past. What type of praise did Michelle's teacher give her?
a. effective praise
b. encouragement praise
c. dependence praise
d. motivation praise
4. Alex is in the third grade. Alex turned in his journal entry to his teacher and she gave him a tootsie roll and said, 'There were no grammar errors in your journal entry today, you did great!' The next day, Alex rushes to complete his journal entry hoping he earns a piece of candy. Which answer BEST describes the type of behavior Alex is demonstrating?
a. Alex has an intrinsic desire to do his best work
b. Alex has become dependent on a reward for his work
c. Alex has developed a 'get it over with' attitude towards his work
Answers
2. D when a teacher emphasizes the student's success because of their hard work
3. A effective praise