7+Reflection+on+Praise+&+Motivation

I find that praise when used correctly can help to motivate me both within and outside of the classroom. However if it is insincere then it works the opposite way, and does tend to de-motivate me. Rewards are an interesting way to motivate however I have a hard time figuring out how to effectively use them in a classroom environment and am not sure that they are the best way to motivate. Having said that, because everyone is motivated differently perhaps a mix of praise and reward is the best option.
 * Deanne- **

**Kathy-** I find the only thing that really motivates me is while I am helping others with their problems or helping them through a tough situation. Just to see the expression on their faces and feel their gratitude motivates me to do everything I can to help. I find that living and going through life this way is a rewarding and educational experience. Quite often the things I learn through these experiences, I find that I can sometimes use this knowledge in teaching others. I also find that praise motivates me as long as it is a form of process praise.

My initial thoughts about the topic of motivation and praise were very much centred around my parenting style (because I am not teaching at the moment). I have a toddler who loves to be up and moving all the time, and she enjoys going out to see new things, so I enrolled her in a gymnastics class. The class is very relaxed and the children are allowed to do whatever they want for the most part. I noticed myself praising her a great deal - mostly I was using effort praise like "Good job!" and "Good work!". After reading more and more about praise, I have changed what I say to her. I now try to only verbally repeat what she has accomplished. For example, "You climbed through the tunnel!" or "You walked across the beam!" (influenced by the description of a boy doing a back dive in [|Yen (2005)]). I still use an excited, pleasant voice, but I try to be more specific in what I say and less focused on evaluating her progress. I am now considering that the process (climbing, walking, crawling) of getting to the end result (end of tunnel, top of bars) may be more interesting for her. When I get back to teaching, I hope that I can adapt what I have learned about praise and motivation.
 * Brianna- **