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Home > Resources > Teaching FAQ's > Motivating Students > Promoting Excellence and Rigor in an Encouraging Environment

How can teachers promote excellence and rigor in an encouraging environment?

• Make your expectations clear to your students early. Then help them meet those expectations. That may mean working with them on an individual basis. When grading, make comments. If something is done poorly, explain how it could have been done better. When something is done well, convey that with a comment like "Nice work!", "That's right!", or "Good argument!" Always grade fairly and consistently. If a student does poorly on a test, make a written comment on it like "See me. I can help." Let your students know how they are doing in your class on a regular basis. Let your teaching model the rigor, enthusiasm, and dedication that you want to see in their work.