Background/purpose. The scientific basis for positive reinforcement is clear: when a behaviour is accompanied by a desirable outcome, such as attention, a tangible reward, or a sensory experience, the probability of that behaviour being repeated in the future is heightened. Praise is a motivating strategy to cultivate a robust relationship between…

Researchers have investigated how teacher feedback contributes to students' learning, yet there is insufficient research into the connection between teacher feedback and student happiness, which is linked to engagement, socio-emotional well-being, and ultimately academic achievement. We coded lesson transcripts from elementary teachers to…

A teacher serves many important roles within a classroom, including an educator and a manager of child behavior. Inattention, overactivity, and noncompliance have long been cited as some of the most common areas of reported difficulty for schools (Axelrod & Zank, 2012; Goldstein, 1995). The evidence-based practice of positive attending (i.e.,…

This article offers a brief overview of the causes and manifestations of performance anxiety and suggests methods for professors to combat it in the studio setting. The topics of mentoring, physical and mental relaxation, dietary health, and imaging are explored. Primary source material is referred to throughout the article, so readers can easily…

This article describes ways in which physical education teachers may influence shy children in order to reduce their shy behavior by working closely with them to encourage class participation, motivating them to develop new skills, and offering positive reinforcement of pro-social behavior. Twelve steps are described. (JL)

Educators, particularly those who work with students outside the classroom, are trained to identify and correct problems. This approach typically addresses gaps in skills but does not identify and exploit personal strengths. In this article, the authors argue that institutions and the students who attend them would be better served by…