The Application of Praise in English Class

楊麗媛+郭霞

摘 要：Praise plays a very important role in language teaching and learning. So it is necessary for English teachers to strengthen students confidence by giving praise in English class. This article introduces the effects of praise is in English class and how teachers give students proper praise in different ways.

關鍵詞：Application； Praise； English class

中圖分類號：G632 文獻標識碼：C 文章編號：1672-1578（2017）11-0003-01

1 Introduction

As we all know， languages are used for communication. There are many different factors that have influence on language learning. Among the positive factors in language learning praise can never be ignored， especially in foreign language learning. Praise plays a very important role in English learning.Praise is encouragement that makes students have confidence and a sense of success， and this will help students to learn foreign language more effectively.

2 Necessity of giving praise in English class

The environment for learning English is always limited in China. Students usually learn English at school. There is little chance to use English in daily life. The pressure and motivation of learning English are far smaller than those of learning their native language. Besides， students can not gain so timely enthusiastic and patient encouragement as they did when they learned their native language. It seems more important to give them timely praise. There are too many students in one class. They can only have one English class every day， and the teachers patience and enthusiasm are limited. Therefore， there is less chance to gain encouragement laid on each student. Because of this， language learning is no longer fun for some students. Active input of language is replaced by compelled study. Most students concentrate their efforts on passing English examination and it seems that they learn theories， not a living communicative language. Speaking fluently becomes an ideal aim which students desire but can not be reached. Under such circumstances， students are in urgent need of praise. Praise is like sunshine and makes miracle effects on students.

3 Application of praise in foreign language teaching and learning

English teachers should be aware of the effects of praise and learn how to give praise properly.

3.1 Effects of praise on language learning

When young children begin to learn to speak， their parents are pleased at each word， each phrase， each simple sentence they can say. Parents praise their children greatly to speak more and better. Since then， children make progress every day. The children can imitate words， phrases， say half sentences and whole sentences， tell stories and at last make speeches with their growth. None of the progress can be parted from the praise from the childrens parents . It is the same in English classes. As Jespersen （1922） stated： “A childs teachers are greatly pleased at every little advance the child makes. Every awkward attempt meets with sympathy and encouragement and the most difficult step on the path of the language becomes the merriest game.” Praise will make language learning easier and happier and bring out better learning results. Praise will make lower-level students better and good students excellent.endprint