FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

According to research, when is praise considered most beneficial to students?

1. When it is spontaneous and frequent

2. When it is specific and infrequent

3. When it is low-key and authentic

4. When it is exaggerated and public

The correct answer is: When it is low-key and authentic

Praise is considered most beneficial to students when it is low-key and authentic because it encourages a genuine sense of achievement and supports intrinsic motivation. Authentic praise focuses on the process and effort rather than just the outcome, helping students understand the value of their hard work and learning journey. This type of praise fosters self-esteem and encourages students to continue putting forth effort in their learning without creating pressure or unrealistic expectations. By being low-key, this form of praise avoids putting students in the spotlight, which can sometimes lead to anxiety or pressure to perform in a certain way in the future. This allows students to feel valued for their own growth and progress, promoting a positive learning environment. In contrast, spontaneous and frequent praise can lead to desensitization, where students may start to view praise as expected or routine rather than special and meaningful. Specific and infrequent praise might not provide the immediate reinforcement that helps students feel supported in their learning. Lastly, exaggerated and public praise can create discomfort for some students and may skew their perception of their own achievements, potentially leading to comparisons with peers or feelings of inadequacy if they can't maintain that level of recognition.