It’s the easiest of accusations — a child is scolded for giving the wrong answer, is offered a disappointed sigh. Teaching has become a hardship: few students wish to learn and fewer still are willing to even try. All explanations are weak. All logic is forced. And it becomes a tedious thing to find the good in every day. It’s far simpler to punish the bad and spare yourself the effort. There is no reason to provide compliments. There is no need to offer smiles. A classroom is a dull place and you’ve resigned yourself to counting down the hours (just as your students do). The seconds are to be punctuated with chides, not celebrations.
There would — perhaps — be something to celebrate, however, if you simply tried to encourage it.
Teaching is not an easy task. There’s much demanded of instructors and much more they must give. And, when faced with students who offer no interest in curriculums, it becomes all too common to ignore positive reinforcement, relying instead on rebukes.
Such a philosophy is understandable. It’s not, however, recommended.
Education is defined by more than mere knowledge. It’s instead to shaped by confidence. Students who are coaxed into learning (offered compliments, assurances, reliefs) will find themselves willing to give better efforts. Their self-esteems are bolstered and they are then more receptive to lessons. There’s no longer a fear of improper answers — remaining silent, refusing to give solutions. Instead they are eager to prove themselves and will accept corrections, knowing these will eventually lead to success.
Positive reinforcement is not an unfamiliar technique. It is, however, an often forgotten one. Its value, though, cannot be denied; and teachers must be willing to educate through easy experiences — rather than demanding perfection and never offering praise for the attempt of it.
Emphasize the strengths of students. Gently correct answers. Frame lessons in a way that will allow all to understand them (and contribute). The intention is not to lecture. It’s instead to encourage. And the results can be remarkable.
Be positive. Be sincere. Be willing to offer aid.