Praise and the PhD
Praise
There is so much discussion over praise and how much should be given in academia and if it should be given at all in some cases.
Thinking of myself as an educator who has taught all age groups over the 27 years I have been teaching, I have seen the magic of praise, when it is genuine and not empty praise - and as the years went by, I realised it was great for the students to know why they were getting praise.
I will explain how I do it:
Just go ahead and give them praise. Students need to get it - it is motivating, it gives them a good feeling and they know what and when they are doing well.
Tell them why. It is great to say Good job! but it is even better - I find - when the students know why. They also feel that it is genuine. So: Good job! You have improved so much in speaking since you started! Immediately, the students locate which part of the language they have improved in.
Give them motivation for the future: Wow, super! You did a great job in your writing last week. Keep up the good work! They realise where they have done well and they are motivated to continue doing so.
Upon entering academia as a PhD researcher, I got my two supervisors and while I knew that they were great in their research and lovely characters, I didn’t know their style of teaching - which I have now seen, and I also appreciate that they give really constructive feedback - and praise. When I ask them soemthing, or I update them on my work, and I get praise - immmediately my motivation goes sky-high and it really really helps me! I see how important it is from my side as a student this time.
Unfortunately, it is not like that in all of academia. Speaking with other students, praise is sometimes missing. How can it be? It is an integral part of teaching and learning.
What do you think?
How do you give your students praise?
How do you feel when you get praise?
The Saturday Scholar
Today I would like to introduce you to the amazing Professor Inger Mewburn, aka The Thesis Whisperer! Inger teaches at The Australian National University.
Whatever question you have about academia, her blog has it all! She is one of the most productive scholars I have ever encountered, with numerous books, her fantastic blog and a podcast with Jason Downs, On the Reg! Follow her everywhere and it is guaranteed you will have tons of help for your PhD.
Saturday’s Music Highlight
This amazing band has had quite a few hits in the 80s - but I think they’re so underrated and their music is spectacular!
It’s The Romantics! Talking In Your Sleep is my absolute favorite song of theirs and definitely in my all-time Top 10. A fantastic band from Detroit, who are still touring and I so hope to see them live some day! (Fun fact: their drummer until 1990 was David Petratos, also of Greek origin like me! 😃)
Turn it up and enjoy - have a great weekend!