Saturday, November 14, 2009

Praiseaholics?

Thanks for your comment, Douglas. I remember an interesting article I read in undergrad that focused on the negative consequences of positive praise. It argued that it took away the intrinsic value of completing a task and didn't foster task oriented learning. To those reading, what do you think? I know we can't help ourselves from saying "well done" or "good job", but should we try?
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2 comments:

  1. Douglas GauldNovember 14, 2009 at 7:27 PM

    Sara,
    The idea is that extrinsic rewards can discourage behavior that was already intrinsically rewarding. I think that praise is good, provided that it is specific. Praise, and criticism, can both be constructive, if they provide useful information to the reciever. I try in my written and verbal praise to point out, specifically, what I like.

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  2. JenniferNovember 15, 2009 at 9:12 AM

    I also believe in using praise for a job well done. Students do need to know the work they did is important and done well or not. I think that students are much more motivated to do a good job when they are intrinsically motivated, but I don't think I personally would try to hold back praise when deserved. :)

    Jennifer

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