In this article, we are going to talk about something called “praise” and how it can be used to help students and teachers. We will learn about two important things called TLAC and the growth mindset, and how praise is connected to them. We will also find out how praise can be used in a helpful way. So, if you want to learn all about the power of praise, keep reading!
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive article on the role of praise in both TLAC (Teach Like a Champion) and the growth mindset! In this article, we will explore what TLAC and the growth mindset are, and how praise can be used effectively to support these educational approaches. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges and pitfalls of praise, as well as provide strategies for using praise in a meaningful and impactful way. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the power of praise and how it can be harnessed to create a positive and growth-oriented learning environment.
Understanding TLAC and Growth Mindset
Defining TLAC
TLAC, or Teach Like a Champion, is an instructional approach developed by Doug Lemov that aims to provide teachers with a set of practical techniques that can be used to improve student engagement and achievement. TLAC emphasizes the use of explicit instruction, high academic expectations, and a structured classroom environment. It focuses on equipping teachers with the skills and strategies to deliver effective lessons and manage student behavior effectively.
Explaining the growth mindset
The growth mindset is a belief system that emphasizes the idea that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. It contrasts with a fixed mindset, which believes that intelligence and abilities are fixed traits that cannot be changed. Those with a growth mindset embrace challenges and see failures as opportunities for growth. They believe that with hard work and perseverance, they can improve and achieve their goals.
The Role of Praise in TLAC
Recognizing and reinforcing positive behavior
In TLAC, praise plays a vital role in recognizing and reinforcing positive behavior. By acknowledging and praising students’ efforts and accomplishments, teachers can motivate them to continue displaying the desired behaviors. This recognition helps create a positive learning environment where students feel valued and acknowledged for their contributions.
Motivating and engaging students
Praise also serves to motivate and engage students in their learning. When students receive praise for their efforts, they are more likely to feel motivated to continue working and pushing themselves. This motivation leads to increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning.
Building self-confidence and self-esteem
Another important role of praise in TLAC is in building students’ self-confidence and self-esteem. When students receive praise for their accomplishments, it helps them develop a positive perception of their abilities. This boost in confidence enables them to tackle challenges with a belief in their own capabilities and fosters a sense of self-worth.
Creating a positive classroom environment
Praise contributes to the creation of a positive classroom environment. When teachers consistently provide positive feedback and praise, it fosters a sense of trust and respect within the classroom. This positive atmosphere encourages students to feel safe to take risks, participate actively, and engage in collaborative learning activities.
The Role of Praise in the Growth Mindset
Promoting a belief in effort and growth
In the growth mindset, praise plays a critical role in promoting a belief in effort and growth. When students receive praise for their hard work and willingness to put in effort, it reinforces the idea that their abilities can improve through dedication and perseverance. This belief in effort and growth fosters a sense of determination and resilience.
Encouraging persistence and resilience
Praise also encourages persistence and resilience in the growth mindset. When students receive praise for their persistence in the face of challenges or setbacks, it reinforces the idea that setbacks are temporary and can be overcome with continued effort. This encouragement helps students develop the resilience needed to persevere through difficult tasks and maintain a positive mindset.
Fostering a love for learning
Praise in the growth mindset fosters a love for learning. When students are praised for their curiosity, enthusiasm, and love for learning, it reinforces the idea that learning is an enjoyable and rewarding process. This reinforcement encourages students to become lifelong learners, continuously seeking out new knowledge and embracing new challenges.
Developing a growth-oriented mindset
Ultimately, praise in the growth mindset helps students develop a growth-oriented mindset, where they believe that their abilities are not fixed but can be developed with effort and dedication. By consistently recognizing and praising students’ growth and improvement, teachers cultivate a mindset that values progress and fosters a love for learning.
Using Praise Effectively in TLAC
Being specific and descriptive
To use praise effectively in TLAC, it is essential to be specific and descriptive in our feedback. Rather than using generic praise like “good job,” it is more helpful to provide specific feedback that highlights the particular action or behavior that was commendable. For example, instead of saying “good job on the assignment,” we can say “I appreciate your thorough research and clear presentation in your assignment.”
Linking praise to effort and progress
Effective praise in TLAC should also be linked to effort and progress. By highlighting the effort students put into their work, we emphasize the importance of hard work and perseverance. Additionally, linking praise to progress helps students see the value in continuous improvement and motivates them to strive for growth.
Balancing praise with constructive feedback
While praise is essential, it is equally important to balance it with constructive feedback. Including constructive feedback alongside praise allows students to understand areas for improvement and provides them with actionable steps to enhance their performance. This balanced approach fosters a growth mindset and helps students develop a realistic understanding of their strengths and areas for growth.
Providing praise consistently and authentically
Consistency and authenticity are crucial when providing praise in TLAC. It is important to provide praise consistently across all students, ensuring that every student has opportunities to receive recognition. Authentic praise means genuinely acknowledging and appreciating students’ efforts and accomplishments. Students can sense when praise is insincere, so taking the time to provide genuine and honest feedback is vital.
Using Praise Effectively in the Growth Mindset
Emphasizing process over outcome
In the growth mindset, effective praise emphasizes the process rather than solely focusing on the outcome. Instead of praising solely for achieving a specific result, we can emphasize the strategies, effort, and problem-solving skills a student used to reach that outcome. This approach reinforces the importance of the learning process itself and encourages students to value their effort and growth throughout their educational journey.
Encouraging risk-taking and learning from failures
Using praise effectively in the growth mindset includes encouraging risk-taking and embracing failures as opportunities for growth. By praising students’ courage in taking risks and acknowledging their resilience in learning from failures, we reinforce the idea that mistakes are valuable learning experiences. This praise encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace challenges without fear of making mistakes.
Highlighting growth and improvement
Praise in the growth mindset should highlight growth and improvement rather than comparing students to each other. When praising growth, we pay attention to students’ progress relative to their starting point and acknowledge the effort and dedication they put into improving. This approach encourages students to focus on their personal growth and motivates them to strive for continued improvement.
Avoiding excessive or meaningless praise
While praise is crucial, it is important to avoid excessive or meaningless praise. Excessive praise can lead to a sense of entitlement and decreased motivation for students. Meaningless praise, on the other hand, lacks specificity and can come across as insincere. Instead, focusing on providing genuine and heartfelt praise that acknowledges students’ specific efforts and achievements will have a more significant impact.
Challenges and Pitfalls of Praise
Overuse of praise
One challenge in using praise effectively is the overuse of praise. When praise is given excessively or for tasks that do not warrant recognition, it can diminish its impact and become ineffective. Students may start to perceive praise as insincere or meaningless, leading to a decrease in motivation and an inflated sense of accomplishment.
Insincere or empty praise
Insincere or empty praise is another pitfall to avoid when using praise. When praise is not genuine or lacks specificity, students can easily recognize it as fake or exaggerated. Insincere praise can undermine trust and credibility, potentially causing students to question the value and validity of future feedback.
Praise that focuses solely on outcomes
Praise that focuses solely on outcomes can inadvertently cultivate a fixed mindset. When praise is given only for achieving a specific outcome or for being naturally talented, students may develop the belief that success is based solely on innate abilities rather than effort and growth. This fixed mindset can hinder students’ willingness to take on challenges and can limit their potential for growth.
Comparison-based praise
Using praise that involves comparing students to each other can be problematic. Comparison-based praise can foster a competitive environment that may discourage collaboration and create an unhealthy sense of superiority or inferiority among students. It is important to focus on individual growth and progress instead of comparing students to one another.
Strategies for Effective Praise
Be specific and sincere in your praise
To use praise effectively, it is essential to be specific and sincere in your feedback. Take the time to observe and identify the specific behaviors or efforts that warrant recognition. Providing specific feedback demonstrates that you have genuinely noticed and appreciated their actions, which encourages students to continue displaying those desired behaviors.
Combine praise with constructive feedback
Combining praise with constructive feedback helps students understand areas for improvement and gives them actionable steps to enhance their performance. By balancing praise with constructive feedback, students receive a holistic understanding of their strengths and areas for growth. This approach supports the development of a growth mindset while still acknowledging their achievements.
Encourage a growth mindset through praise
Use praise to encourage a growth mindset by highlighting effort, progress, and perseverance. Emphasize to students that their abilities can improve through dedication and hard work. Focus on the process and strategies they use, reinforcing the value of learning and growth rather than solely focusing on the outcome. Encouraging a growth mindset through praise helps students develop resilience and a love for learning.
Personalize praise for individual students
Personalizing praise is essential to make it meaningful and impactful. Take the time to understand each student’s strengths, interests, and learning style. Tailor your praise to highlight their unique qualities and accomplishments. By personalizing praise, you reinforce the idea that each student’s efforts are valued and appreciated, fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Conclusion
Praise plays a significant role in both TLAC and the growth mindset. It recognizes and reinforces positive behavior, motivates and engages students, builds self-confidence, and creates a positive classroom environment. In the growth mindset, praise promotes a belief in effort and growth, encourages persistence and resilience, fosters a love for learning, and develops a growth-oriented mindset. To use praise effectively, it is crucial to be specific, link praise to effort and progress, balance it with constructive feedback, and provide it consistently and authentically. By using praise strategically and avoiding common pitfalls, teachers can leverage its power to create a nurturing and growth-oriented learning environment for all students.
