I recently read an article titled, 3 Ways You Should Never Praise Students. I can’t remember how I stumbled across this post from 2012. However, since reading it I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the way I use praise in my classroom. In fact, it was so thought-provoking I shared it in my last PLC.

This post asserts that praise should never be used for personal gain, to manipulate, or out of obligation. The reasonings offered by the author, Michael Linsin, are quite interesting. It is worth a read. You’ll be glad you spent a few minutes of your time on this one. It is sure to make you think.

What do you think about these three ways to never praise students? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Amanda Koonlaba is an elementary art teacher in Tupelo, MS. She is a contributor to MSEdBlog. Her views are her own and do not represent the views of any other entity.