I’ve written a lot about positive ways to provide student feedback, including applying Carol Dweck’s research. You can find those thoughts at The Best Resources For Learning How To Best Give Feedback To Students and in my book.

Ms. Dweck recently spoke at a San Francisco conference and, though it sounds like she didn’t share anything substantial she hasn’t reported before, I though one quote in particular from the column reporting her talk was the best summary I had seen of her research:

Praise for intelligence instead of praise for effort sends the wrong message. People who are praised for being smart “don’t want to risk their newly minted genius status,” and that fosters static, rigid organizations. Praise for effort keeps people engaged and willing to work hard.

Short and sweet!