The forms, functions, and uses of praise in self-contained classrooms: a qualitative examination

Abstract

Special education teachers are often encouraged to use praise in their instructional interactions with their students with significant support needs (SSN). It is assumed that reinforcing behavior facilitates learning and academic achievement for these students. Despite a myriad of interventions aimed at increasing special education teachers’ use of praise, little is known about how praise functions in this context. This is concerning, given the growing body of literature suggesting that praise negatively impacts academic achievement for students without SSN. This study uses constant comparative methods to examine the form, function, and use of praise in supporting learning and instruction in two special educations classrooms that exclusively serve students with SSN. Findings indicate that praise, as an extension of instruction that prioritizes compliance over learning, did little to engage students in thinking or learning. The results hold implications for the instructional approaches teachers use with their students with SSN.