Teachers can improve the motivation of their students if they praise them often for doing the right things. Effective praise has four major elements, including
When you praise, be sure to point out specifically what the child did right.
Be enthusiastic with your praise.
Give praise promptly without delay.
Make sure the child is close by and paying attention when you praise.
For example, if Sadie sits quietly during the morning roll call, a teacher giving ineffective praise might say after some delay, “You’re a good girl, Sadie.” More effective would be a prompt statement such as, “Great job of sitting quietly, Sadie! I like it when you pay attention!”
