EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS RESEARCH

Research indicates that a child’s success in school is significantly influenced by having:

TEACHERS WHO PROVIDE ENCOURAGEMENT AND RECOGNIZE ACCOMPLISHMENT

Teachers should not underestimate the impact of constructive feedback on their students. Through constructive, timely feedback, teachers can reinforce and help develop positive self-esteem in their students. Students who are accustomed to failure and who have difficulty mastering skills react more positively to encouragement and praise from teachers than criticism.

Constructive feedback from teachers, including deserved praise and specific suggestions for improvement, helps students learn, as well as develop positive self-esteem. Teachers should be aware, however, that singling out a child for individual praise in a very public way may not be appropriate to some cultures.

A school staff that provides encouragement and personalized attention, and monitors daily attendance can reduce unexcused absences and class-cutting.

What works: research about teaching and learning. 1987.