Effects of Learning on Development » Role of Praise in Learning

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

The definition and types of praise in learning contexts
How praise affects motivation, self-esteem and learning outcomes
The difference between process praise and person praise
Research studies on praise effectiveness
Practical applications of effective praise in educational settings
Potential negative effects of certain types of praise

The Role of Praise in Learning

Praise is one of the most common forms of feedback used by teachers and parents to influence children's behaviour and learning. But not all praise works the same way and some types might actually do more harm than good! In this section, we'll explore how different types of praise affect learning and development.

Key Definitions:

Praise: Positive feedback or expressions of approval for behaviours, efforts, or accomplishments.
Process praise: Praise focused on effort, strategies and actions that are under the learner's control.
Person praise: Praise directed at personal qualities or traits (e.g., being smart, talented, or good).
Growth mindset: The belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.
Fixed mindset: The belief that basic qualities like intelligence are fixed traits.

💡 Types of Praise

Process praise: "I like how hard you worked on that maths problem!"

Person praise: "You're so clever at maths!"

Outcome praise: "Great job getting an A on your test!"

Effort praise: "You kept trying even when it got difficult!"

📖 Why Praise Matters

Praise can influence:

Motivation to learn
Self-esteem and confidence
Persistence when facing challenges
Attitudes toward learning
Academic achievement

The Science Behind Praise

Psychologists have been studying the effects of praise for decades. One of the most influential researchers in this area is Carol Dweck, who discovered that the type of praise we give children can shape their mindset about learning and ability.

Dweck's Mindset Theory and Praise

Carol Dweck's research shows that praise can help develop either a growth mindset or a fixed mindset in learners:

🌱 Growth Mindset

Developed by: Process praise that focuses on effort, strategies and improvement

Example: "I like how you tried different approaches to solve that problem."

Result: Children see challenges as opportunities to grow and develop their abilities.

🤔 Fixed Mindset

Developed by: Person praise that focuses on innate traits or abilities

Example: "You're so smart! You're a natural at this!"

Result: Children may avoid challenges for fear of looking less intelligent if they fail.

Case Study Focus: Dweck's Praise Experiment

In a famous study, Dweck and colleagues gave 10-11 year old students a relatively easy puzzle to complete. After completing it, some children received person praise ("You must be smart at these problems"), while others received process praise ("You must have worked hard at these problems").

When later given a choice between a challenging or easy puzzle:

67% of students who received process praise chose the more difficult puzzle
Only 39% of students who received person praise chose the challenging option

This suggests that praising effort rather than intelligence encourages children to embrace challenges and develop resilience.

Effective vs Ineffective Praise

Not all praise has positive effects on learning. Research shows that certain characteristics make praise more effective.

✅ Effective Praise

Specific and descriptive
Focused on effort and strategy
Sincere and genuine
Given for challenging tasks
Promotes autonomy

❌ Ineffective Praise

Vague and general
Focused only on ability
Insincere or excessive
Given for easy tasks
Creates dependency

📝 Examples

Effective: "I noticed how you kept trying different methods to solve that equation. Your persistence paid off!"

Ineffective: "You're so clever! You're the best maths student ever!"

The Impact of Praise on Motivation

Praise influences different types of motivation, which affects how students approach learning tasks.

💪 Intrinsic Motivation

This is motivation that comes from within - doing something because you find it interesting or enjoyable.

How praise affects it: Process praise can enhance intrinsic motivation by focusing on the enjoyment and value of the learning process itself. However, excessive praise with external rewards can actually reduce intrinsic motivation.

🏆 Extrinsic Motivation

This is motivation driven by external rewards or consequences.

How praise affects it: Person praise and outcome-focused praise can create dependency on external validation, making students work only for the praise rather than for learning itself.

Research Spotlight: Mueller & Dweck (1998)

In a series of studies, researchers found that children praised for intelligence were more likely to:

Choose tasks that would make them look smart rather than help them learn
Lose confidence and motivation when tasks became difficult
Perform worse after experiencing failure
Be more likely to lie about their scores to appear successful

In contrast, children praised for effort showed more resilience, enjoyed challenges more and performed better after setbacks.

Praise and Self-Esteem

While many people believe that praise always boosts self-esteem, research suggests a more complex relationship.

The Self-Esteem Paradox

Contrary to popular belief, constantly telling children they're special or amazing doesn't necessarily build healthy self-esteem. In fact, it can create pressure and vulnerability.

👍 Healthy Self-Esteem

Develops when praise is:

Earned through genuine effort
Specific to actions and choices
Realistic and honest
Focused on process rather than the person

👎 Fragile Self-Esteem

Can result from praise that is:

Excessive and unearned
Focused on being "special" or "the best"
Unrealistic or inflated
Tied to personal worth rather than effort

Practical Applications

Understanding the role of praise in learning can help teachers and parents support children's development more effectively.

🚀 For Teachers

Be specific about what you're praising
Focus on strategies and effort
Praise the process, not just the outcome
Use praise to encourage persistence
Avoid comparing students to each other

🏠 For Parents

Praise effort even when results aren't perfect
Highlight improvement and progress
Avoid labelling children as "smart" or "talented"
Model a growth mindset yourself
Be sincere - children can detect false praise

📚 Effective Phrases

"I noticed how you..."

"Your hard work on... really paid off"

"The way you tackled that problem shows..."

"I can see you're making progress with..."

"That strategy was effective because..."

Summary: The Power of Praise

Praise is a powerful tool in learning and development, but its effects depend on how it's delivered. Process-focused praise that emphasizes effort, strategies and improvement helps develop a growth mindset, resilience and intrinsic motivation. Person-focused praise that emphasizes fixed traits can create vulnerability to failure and dependency on external validation.

The most effective praise is specific, sincere, focused on factors within the learner's control and appropriate to the level of achievement. By understanding these principles, teachers and parents can use praise to support children's learning and development more effectively.

Remember:

It's not about praising less - it's about praising better. The right kind of praise can help children develop the mindset and skills they need to become confident, resilient and successful learners.

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