Which teacher statement is the clearest example of behaviour-specific praise?

Correct answer: You began promptly and checked each step carefully. “You began promptly and checked each step carefully” names exactly what the learner did, which is behaviour-specific praise.

• You are clearly the most talented learner in the group. Praising talent focuses on the person rather than a behaviour.
• This whole class has been generally good today. Generic praise for the whole class does not identify a behaviour.
• Well done, whatever it was that you were doing. “Whatever it was” names no behaviour at all.