Every parent and teacher needs to read this article (link below). Let me know what you think. Which camp do you sit in? I will share my views after I hear from some of you out there. My advice, connect what the research is saying and what you know from your own personal experience. This makes us wiser parents and teachers.
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A good article - not for its answers but for its questions.
ReplyDeleteThere is no single truth. As we get older (and wiser?) we realise it's complex mix.
It's all true, but taken to extremes, its all false.
Philosophy over!
Like the (new and acclaimed) NZ Curriculum, breadth is best!
Yes a good article, I found myself nodding many a time. I think it's important for all to praise the efforts across the board, not always looking for rewards or a ranking. This way I believe it has real value without always focusing on the end result!
ReplyDeleteCompetition is relatively new and can be dangerous in the wrong situations and places. Children shouldn't need this on a day to day basis or be always looking for it. We all need to accept consequences for both our successes and equally our failures. Yes encourage to try again....but being sincere is the key to our children's success. I love the term 'praise junkie' and 'social praiser'. I too will have to change my ways.
Agree a good article.
ReplyDeleteI think its important that kids learn to bounce back from lifes knocks. Capturing those moments when a child has worked hard at something to suceed is a great way to do that e.g riding your bike without trainers.
However as an adult (and I am sure for children too) its nice to get the odd no strings attached compliment too e.g "you are very clever" or "you have a nice smile". Its when it gets over the top that it loses its meaning.
Hi Fraser
ReplyDeleteAn interesting article! On first reading I thought it was an article on gifted children but realised that the use of the "gifted child' as an introduction was a clever ploy by the author. Gifted children frequently under achieve on standardised tests and to say that this is because they have been over praised is a bit of a narrow focus for a professional in any field. The article, fortunately, widens its focus to include all children and shows that praise, when overused, has negative implications. The same can be proven for anything that is overused and abused. I have emailed you an article which provides a range of views on why gifted children fequently underachieve on tests at school and hope, that instead of making parents of gifted childern feel that they have done something wrong, will give them a wider understanding of the implications of giftedness. (Sorry - I couldn't work out how to post it onto the blog.)
Everything in moderation - even praise. Thank goodness we don't live in America!