The aim of this study is to qualitatively investigate students’ and teachers’ perceptions of
praise and feedback and to observe teachers’ use of praise and feedback in the classroom. The
role and importance of ability feedback will be explored, as will the students’ reasons as to why
they prefer one type of feedback to another. The specific research questions are: (1) What are
students’ perspectives of effective types of praise? What are students’ responses to praise? What
are students’ preferences for ability or effort feedback? (2) What are teachers’ perspectives of
the use of praise and feedback in their classroom? (3) How often do teachers use praise and
feedback in the classroom?