High School Students’ Preferences for Praise and Reprimand: A Pilot Study
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
The use of teacher praise is considered an evidence-based practice, yet little praise research has taken place in secondary school settings. Due to developmental differences, high school students likely present unique preferences for praise and reprimand compared to younger students. Therefore, there is a need to study high school students’ preferences for evidenced-based strategies. A total of 55 high school students from seven states in the United States, participated in a pilot survey examining preferences for praise and reprimand. Most students reported receiving praise for schoolwork and appropriate behavior was acceptable and receiving rewards (for work and behavior), while still acceptable, was less favorable than praise. Students preferred private praise, messages sent home to parents/guardians, and get out of work passes. Students least preferred public posts or school displays, no recognition, and praise out loud. For reprimands, students most preferred private verbal or written reprimands and least preferred detention or Saturday school. Implications for maximizing praise with high school students by considering student preferences and future research directions are offered.
Recommended Citation
Rila, Ashley; Wilkinson, Sarah; and Floress, Margaret T., "High School Students’ Preferences for Praise and Reprimand: A Pilot Study" (2025). Faculty and Staff Scholarship. 89.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/usm-faculty-and-staff-scholarship/89
