Why is moderation of praise important in teaching?

Moderation of praise is important in teaching primarily to encourage self-motivation among students. When praise is given in moderation, it prevents students from becoming reliant on external approval for their efforts and achievements. Instead, students are encouraged to focus on their own intrinsic motivations and the value of their personal growth, which fosters a sense of self-efficacy and resilience.

Balanced praise helps students learn to set personal standards and goals, promoting an internal drive to succeed. This approach cultivates a learning environment where students feel valued for their hard work and improvement rather than just for meeting external expectations. Over-praising, on the other hand, can lead to a dependency on affirmation, potentially undermining a student’s ability to self-motivate and persevere through challenges.

The other considerations regarding authority, expectations, and classroom discipline, while valid in their contexts, do not directly address the core benefit of fostering an intrinsic desire for learning and improvement that comes from moderating praise.