Peer Review

Giving Effective Praise

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Reviewed:: Apr 15, 2003 by Business

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: Introductory module appropriate for business students. Interactive and tutorial
presentation of concepts about Giving Effective Praise from the work of Ken
Blanchard and Spencer Johnson. Contains 9 slides that that challenge students
in the field to understand the power of giving praise to motivate
employees. Students are also given the opportunity to practice writing these
praise statements.
Type of Material:: Tutorial
Recommended Uses:: This exercise would be best applied as an individual homework assignment or for
professional development purposes. It would also make an excellent link to
maintain for an instructor's web page of web resources.
Technical Requirements:: Standard internet browser. Also requires a Flash plug-in which can be accessed
from the link.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The major learning goal is to instruct students about the importance of
providing effective praise in their perspective roles as managers of people in
organizations. When applied correctly, praise can be a very effective
motivational tool.
Target Student Population:: This exercise is aimed at students in introductory management classes such as
Principles of Management, Organizational Behavior, or Human Resource Management
courses. It would also be of value in supervisory training and workforce
development.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: An introduction to the use of reward systems and specifically the application of

intrinsic versus extrinsic rewards (and internal vs. external locus of control)
would make the exercise more meaningful. In addition, an introduction to
motivation theories would be helpful.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: This module outlines the importance of praise as a motivational tool in the
workplace, and then provides students with an opportunity to apply what has been
learned. The information provides a good introduction to the topic of
motivation in general, and intrinsic motivators in particular. The site is well
presented and provides an effective medium for both learning and applying the
concepts. It brings to life the work of Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
in an intreactive and experiental platform.
Concerns:: The module could benefit from a more detailed presentation but works well as a
supplement to a lecture. It would be interesting to see more integration of
various motivation theories to support the importance of praise as an intrinsic
motivator in the workplace.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: The main strengths of this module are the application exercises that allow the
students to practice applying the concepts that are introduced to them. There
are 4 practice questions ? 2 of which can be emailed to the instructor upon
completion for evaluation.
Concerns:: While this would be a great homework assignment, it is not a self-contained
learning tool. Additional instruction about the appropriate use of praise by
the manager in the workplace is necessary. Also, the two exercises that require
the student to choose the "best praise statements" could benefit from more
detailed feedback. If the student chooses an incorrect response, he or she is
told to "try again". There is no information explaining why that response may
not be the best choice. Similarly, if the student chooses the correct answer,
no information appears explaining why that is the best choice.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The module is clear, easy to use, and allows for interaction with the
instructor. It further provides a forum to apply the material presented.
Concerns:: None noted.

Other Issues and Comments:: Simple yet effective resource to engage students in relationship of giving
praise and effective motivation.
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