Some praise statements may have the potential to lower students' confidence in themselves. The students exhibited many characteristics indicative of lower self-esteem, such as responding in doubtful tones and showing lack of persistence or desire to keep trying. It seems that certain kinds of praise may set up even the most capable students for failure . In order to avoid negative evaluations, students may tend not to take chances and attempt difficult tasks. Those warm-hearted teachers who sincerely enjoy praising a job well done can take heart, however.
Research does indicate that there are effective ways to praise learners .
Encouragement is a good label for effective praise. Unlike praise, encouragement does not place judgment on student work or give information regarding its value or implications of student status. They are nonspecific, place a judgment on the student, and give some indication of the student's status in the group. Following are some brief guidelines for educators to review to make sure that their compliments are indeed concrete and specific enough to be effective communication. In closing, educators do well to remember that children have a natural desire to learn.