Product reviews for The Decisive Element

The Decisive Element offers a well-structured insight, drawn from the authors' wealth of experience, into the merits of focusing on praise and motivation as strategies to create an enthusiasm for learning. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on creating a positive climate, getting the most out of praise and making the weather in the classroom. The authors contrast the skills and attributes of dynamic, positive leaders with those of failing leaders who are constantly seeking to allocate blame for shortcomings, failures and errors. The analogy of Mick Malton's experience as a footballer who was repeatedly being told off is very effective.

The authors develop their ideas on positive relationships with the teacher as the decisive element very effectively, backed up with references to a range of acknowledged texts and practical skills such as group praise and pre-emptive and predestined praise. The emphasis is on boosting learners' own -˜toolkits', including their resilience, effort, determination, hard work and grit.

With the increasing emphasis within schools and colleges on promoting growth mindsets, The Decisive Element provides a practical evaluation of praise's role in raising performance levels, while also highlighting the dangers of false praise. An excellent resource for schools and colleges.