Why Can One Teacher’s Compliment Stay With You For Years? Psychology Has An Answer

We all remember that one line of praise from our teacher that stayed with us even after we left school or graduated from college. It could be, 'You sing well' or 'you write so beautifully'. No matter what that one compliment was, it became words of encouragement. Have you ever wondered why that small compliment from ages ago is still so memorable? It is not just an emotion but there is an interesting psychology behind it.

Why Do We Remember Some Teacher Compliments For Years?

There are several intriguing factors due to which these small compliment from our teacher still rings in our heads. One of them is the Pygmalion Effect, which has been extensively studied for its effects on students.

What is the Pygmalion Effect?

Pygmalion effect is a psychological phenomenon where high expectations can lead to improved performance. Named after the Greek myth of Pygmalion, in which a sculptor fell so much in love with the perfectly beautiful statue he created that the statue came to life.  

This effect was first presented by psychologists Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson and mentioned in their book 'Pygmalion in the Classroom'. They observed that high expectations lead to better performance and low expectations lead to worse performance. This was studied by observing the teachers' expectations of their students.

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Why brain hold on to that one praise from a teacher?

During the school years, children's identity is fragile and even a small kind word can build confidence, better self-esteem, and career choices.

Especially when a child is nervous or emotional, your brain's alarm centre tells your memory centre to save you. In such a situation, unexpected praise can give happy chemical, which is dopamine. That small reward and emotion from the particular praise from your teacher become a memory that will stick with you for years.

How Positive Feedback Can Shape A Student’s Confidence

School or college becomes a second home and safe space for students apart from their teachers. As these are the essential years for children, even a small praise like 'good job' can have a lasting impact.  

According to Psychologist Albert Bandura, the concept of self-efficacy gives a belief to the students 'I can do this', which is important for developing their own identity. This way, students also believe success is in their control.

By praising them and giving meaningful feedback, you are giving them confidence and removing the fear of being wrong.
When meaningful feedback becomes an identity, it builds confidence, and students internalise this.

Moreover, unexpected, sincere, specific praise triggers dopamine, which helps the brain remember both the skill and the feeling of 'I can do it'.

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Conclusion:  

A teacher's compliment stays as it comes at a time when we are still deciding who we are. It is not just praise, but motivation. This is why teachers matter so much more than we realise. 

(Image Credits: Magnific)
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