A Survey Study on Students’ Perceptions of Praise in Second Language Written Feedback

Abstract

Providing meaningful written feedback is a challenging, yet essential, task for teachers in any ESL classroom. Although many studies have examined written feedback in terms of directness, criticism, and corrective suggestions, very few have specifically investigated the role of praise as a form of written feedback and how students perceive it. To investigate the effect of praise on ESL students, this study collected quantitative data from 100 students enrolled in English programs across different institutions. The researchers used an online survey with a 5-point Likert scale, which was distributed to participants via WhatsApp and email. The results were analyzed using MS Excel and presented in tables. The results demonstrated that students found praise to be particularly valuable and motivating for change. This study provides useful insights that can help teachers and administrators develop an informed philosophy regarding the use of praise. It allows them to recognize which type of praise is most effective for their specific student groups, especially when considering the students' proficiency levels.