Offering meaningful observations rather than evaluative statements
Core Idea: Descriptive feedback focused on effort and process helps children develop intrinsic motivation and self-assessment skills more effectively than generic praise.
Key Elements
Limitations of Praise
- Praise can become manipulative when used to control behavior
- Creates "praise junkies" dependent on external validation
- Can diminish intrinsic joy in activities
- May reduce motivation by shifting focus to external rewards
- Can lower achievement by increasing pressure to perform
Effective Feedback Approaches
- Describe what you see: "You used blue and red paint with swirling patterns"
- Focus on process rather than product
- Use factual descriptions of actions and accomplishments
- Avoid judgment words like "good," "great," or "beautiful"
Feedback Techniques
- Describe observations: "You took your plate to the kitchen"
- Sum up with a meaningful word: "That's what I call independence!"
- Share genuine feelings: "I feel happy when I see everything put away"
- Ask questions about their experience: "How did you figure that out?"
Building Intrinsic Motivation
- Help children recognize their own accomplishments
- Encourage self-evaluation: "Are you satisfied with your work?"
- Allow natural consequences and results to provide feedback
- Model finding satisfaction in the process, not just outcomes
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation research
- Applications: Growth Mindset Development is supported by process-focused feedback
- See Also: Observation in Montessori provides foundation for meaningful feedback
References
- Davies, S. (2019). The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being.
- Kohn, A. (2001). Five Reasons to Stop Saying "Good Job!"
#praise #motivation #feedback #montessori-communication
Connections:
Sources: