Your doing Great!
You know, someone telling you Your doing Great goes a long way. Aknowledge yourself, give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it!
While a pat on the back (especially third party praise) is a great way to maintain retention and increase student self-asteem, I fear that the "blue ribbon" approach to education can be dangerous if misunderstood and misused. I truly to understand that a well-deserved "great job" creates a decrease in stress and cognative dissonance; however, it is through working through failure that creates self-efficacy, which I argue is a far more valuable lesson for students to learn.
It is for these reasons that I always make sure that I only give positive feedback that is deserved. On the same token, I very rarely give negative feedback. Constructive criticism is another issue altogether.
It does come along way. I have only been with the school now for 4mos and I was recongized as Instructor of the year by my collegues. I helps me with my spirit knowing that I bring good energy to work.
Those little rewards do go a long way. On the spot rewards install confidence with the students. Being specific in praise is also good. Don't say so-and-so did a good job that day: be specific in what made the job worth being noticable and worthy of praise.2 thunbs up is also fun.
Hi Victoria,
Well said. Praise coming from a person in authority is very powerful at keeping students focused and in their program. We need to always keep that in mind as we work with our students.
Gary
I agree that meaningful praise from an instructor to a student can give that student the boost that they may really need. It may not seem like much to an instructor, but it is often something that will keep the student engaged and positive.
I feel that during the learning process it's easy to lose sight of the achievements one has made. Therefore it's important to give positive feedback throughout. Everyone needs some reassurance that they are on the right track.
Hi Frank,
That has been my experience as well. They appreciate the fact that their instructor takes the time to really read and evaluate their work and then comment on their efforts.
Gary
I have found that students really appreciate hand written positive comments on quizzes, tests, projects and assignments.
Hi Madelyn,
Students no matter what age like having comments written on their papers. It helps them to see the progress they are making in the course and toward their career objective. I have been known to put smiley faces on papers which always draws a laugh and a comment when I hand the papers back. It lets us have a little fun while reviewing the paper, project or assignment.
Gary
I like to jot down on their papers what exactly shines and remark how much it adds to the overall paper.
I teach what I did for my career. I find it is beneficial to let my students know that -- when something was very, very difficult -- it was just as difficult, or even more so, when I was learning the skill that I am teaching them. They know that I was successful, and by connecting the dots to their goal, they know they can get there too.
Yes , very good, this will encourage the instructor to continue the process of learning to reach the final goal.
Hi Justin,
Your use of feedback comment sheet is a great way of giving specific and targeted information the students. This way they know what they can do to improve their expertise and experience leading to improvement.
Gary
Encouraging words help all students. When I hand back their projects I always attach a comment sheet that explains what revisions need to be made on the project and I like to throw in some encouraging words as motivation. I've noticed that after they finish reading the comments I am flooded with questions on how they can improve their projects.
When they are working hard and they feel unnoticed a "you are doing great" statment brightens their day so much.
Hi Amy,
Yes, I have and you are right it is an inspiring book. Reading it will help instructors to see the impact they can have on the lives of students.
Gary
Your right, and don't wait for them to ask how they are doing to give them a thumbs up. Compliment them before they ask and they know your paying attention to there efforts.
I feel like that is exciting part about teaching. Have you ever read the book Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire by Rafe Esquith? Amazing man, inspirational book. A must-read for all teachers.
Hi Amy,
What a great example of the impact instructors can have on the lives of their students. I am sure that this student will reflect on your praise and support for the rest of her life.
Gary
