The Power of Positive Feedback in Teaching
How Encouragement Shapes Confident, Motivated Learners at our International School in Jakarta
Positive feedback is one of the most effective tools in education, transforming classroom culture, strengthening relationships, and building lifelong confidence in learners. At the Independent School of Jakarta (ISJ), teachers draw on best practices from British international education to create classrooms where students feel valued, motivated, and inspired to succeed
Building Confidence and Motivation
Positive feedback is more than just praise. It signals to students that their efforts are recognised and that improvement is possible. When teachers use specific comments such as, “I like how you explained your reasoning there,” pupils understand what success looks like and strive to repeat it.
“This kind of feedback helps students connect effort with progress,” says Lesley Brooks, a senior teacher at ISJ. “They begin to realise that success is something they can create through persistence and reflection.”
Over time, this approach cultivates intrinsic motivation. Students take pride in their progress, developing resilience and a genuine love of learning — essential skills that prepare them for future academic challenges.
H3: Creating a Culture of Cooperation
Classrooms where positive feedback is the norm quickly become calm, cooperative environments. When one student is recognised for teamwork, focus, or perseverance, others are encouraged to do the same.
At ISJ, this method forms part of a proactive approach to classroom management, focusing on what is going right rather than on what needs correction. By consistently highlighting positive behaviour, teachers help pupils build self-discipline and empathy — key traits in both academic and social success.
H3: Strengthening Teacher–Student Relationships
A foundation of trust between teachers and pupils enhances every aspect of learning. When students feel appreciated, they are more receptive to feedback and more confident in taking intellectual risks.
“Children who feel valued are far more likely to try new things and push themselves,” explains Lesley Brooks. “They see their teacher as a partner in their learning journey, not just an authority figure.”
In ISJ’s international classrooms, where students come from diverse cultural backgrounds, this connection ensures that every child feels included, respected, and safe to express their ideas.
H3: Making Feedback Meaningful
Not all praise has equal impact. To be effective, feedback must be specific and genuine. Vague compliments like “good job” are less helpful than clear statements such as, “You improved your essay by organising your ideas logically.”
At ISJ, teachers are trained to give feedback that acknowledges both academic and emotional growth. This balanced approach fosters self-awareness and reinforces the link between effort, progress, and success — a cornerstone of the British prep school tradition ISJ upholds in Jakarta.
H3: A Positive Cycle of Success
When students receive consistent, thoughtful encouragement, they develop the confidence to learn independently and the motivation to persevere through challenges. The atmosphere becomes calmer, behaviour improves naturally, and every child feels capable of success.
As Ms. Brooks reflects, “When teachers focus on what’s going right, children flourish. They begin to see learning as something joyful and empowering.”
At the Independent School of Jakarta, positive feedback is more than a classroom strategy — it’s a guiding principle that helps shape confident, compassionate, and curious young people ready for the world ahead.
The Independent School of Jakarta (ISJ) is Jakarta's leading British international school for children aged 2–13, delivering the gold-standard English National Curriculum. Driven by our hand-picked teachers from top UK independent schools, our pupils consistently achieve remarkably high academic results.
To learn more about how The Independent School of Jakarta combines academic excellence with an active, balanced approach to education, visit book a private tour.