Search
Close this search box.

The Power of the Positive Comment: A Challenge

Credit: iStock.com/BlackSalmon
Credit: iStock.com/BlackSalmon
A true story: by the time I’d reached the ninth grade, I had a well-earned reputation as a jerk, albeit one with good grades. I was a jerk to my friends, a jerk to my teachers, a jerk in class, a jerk in the cafeteria. I was probably a jerk when I slept, I was just that good at being a jerk. That year, though, I had a number of extremely good teachers, including one French instructor who saw enough in me that, on my final report card, he included the words: “A fine young man.”

To continue reading, you must be a Teaching Professor Subscriber. Please log in or sign up for full access.

2 Responses

  1. I always love your articles, Paul, but this was a particularly rich one. Given all the neurocognitive research that points to the powerful connection between positive affect and cognitive engagement seeking pathways for affirmation holds huge potential for student growth. Great stuff!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

I have two loves: teaching and learning. Although I love them for different reasons, I’ve been passionate about...
What is the best way for teachers to develop student expertise in a subject area? Currently, there are...
Group work is a fixture in college courses, with faculty using it for any number of reasons: to...
Quizzes provide both students and teachers with a snapshot of student learning. But students often just look at...
“Did you hang up my Hamlet drawing yet?” my 11-year-old daughter asked me. “I sure did!” I replied....
Faculty know that today’s students require different levels of support to be successful. Not all college students have...
Do you know what keeps a bike upright when you ride it? What is it that a child...

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to limited free articles, news alerts, and select newsletters

Login here

Get unlimited access to The Teaching Professor

Stay informed. Subscribe Now.

WELCOME OFFER

$19.00 $14.00/month

for your first 6 months. Use coupon code TP6MO.

$19.00 thereafter. Cancel anytime.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of The Teaching Professor

You only have  free article views remaining.

WELCOME OFFER

$19.00 $14.00/month

for your first 6 months. Use coupon code TP6MO.

$19.00 a month thereafter. Cancel anytime.

Are you signed up for free weekly Teaching Professor updates?

You'll get notified of the newest articles.