The Power of Positivity

In the Secondary Classroom

Praise versus Encouragement

Praise - to express approval or admiration of; commend; extol. Praise is usually given to a child when a task is completed and well-done Encourage - to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc . Encouragement, therefore, focuses on student efforts Encouragement does not place judgment on student work or give information regarding its value or implications of student status.

Specifics of Encouragement

Offers specific feedback rather than general comments. For example, instead of saying, "Terrific job," teachers can comment on specific behaviors that they wish to acknowledge. Is teacher-initiated and private. Privacy increases the potential for an honest exchange of ideas and an opportunity for the student to talk about his or her work. Focuses on improvement and efforts rather than evaluation of a finished product. Uses sincere, direct comments delivered with a natural voice. Does not set students up for failure. Labels such as "nice" or "terrific" set students up for failure because they cannot always be "nice" or "terrific". Helps students develop an appreciation of their behaviors and achievements. Avoids competition or comparisons with others. Works toward self-satisfaction from a task or product.
From http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-9213/praise.htm

Effective vs. Ineffective Encouragement

Effective Encouragement
Specifies the praiseworthy aspects of the student's accomplishments Is given for genuine effort, progress, or accomplishment which are judged according to standards appropriate to individuals. Is expressed sincerely, showing spontaneity, variety and other non-verbal signs of credibility.

Ineffective Encouragement
Is general or global, not specifying the success. Is given based on comparisons with others and without regard to the effort expended or significance of the accomplishment of an individual. Is expressed blandly without feeling or animation, and relying on stock, perfunctory phrases.

Effective vs. Ineffective Encouragement cont.

Effective Encouragement Ineffective Encouragement

Helps students to better appreciate Orients students toward their thinking, problem-solving comparing themselves with others. and performance. Encourages students to appreciate their accomplishments for the effort they expend and their personal gratification. Encourages students to succeed for external reasons -- to please the teacher, win a competition or reward, etc.
From http://www.adprima.com/managing.htm

The Sandwich Method

Positive feedback can be a great opportunity to provide constructive criticism. This method sets goals while recognizing the success that is already evident. Start off with a good characteristic of the person, or special gift they have. Then, put in the "but". Then always end it with another good point

Ideas for Positive Feedback

Letters Home
A handwritten note can be a source of continuing encouragement -- long after spoken words of praise have been forgotten. Letters or notes build a solid foundation for a positive relationship between the teacher, student, and home Send letters to parents for students who show extended progress over a period of time a sample guideline is if a student gains ten percentage points or more during or a quarter. Also consider sending out letters to students who have demonstrated outstanding progress outside of the classroom in athletic or cultural events. Pick two students each week who have contributed positively to your class and call their parents to congratulate them

Ideas for Positive Feedback

Notes on Student Work

Short positive notes on student tests and papers are an excellent way to reach students who are remarkably steady in their academic work. Remember to also praise and encourage advanced students their work is equally deserving of positive feedback! Example from my own experiences

Finding Positives in ANYTHING

Get into pairs or groups of three so that you have two groups. Each group will then read their assigned story, which we will pretend is something that a struggling student has turned into them to be graded. Work with your group to come up with at least TWO remarks of encouragement to write on the student work!