Praising effort vs praising intelligence

6 January 2025

Research shows that how we praise children has a powerful impact on their motivation, confidence and long-term academic success.

Effort vs intelligence – what the research says

Psychologist, Carol Dweck explored how different types of praise affect children’s performance.

In a well-known study involving 400 students, children completed a puzzle and were then given one of two types of praise:

  • One group was praised for intelligence – “You must be really smart.”

  • The other group was praised for effort – “You must have worked really hard.”

When offered a choice of a harder or easier follow-up task, the results were striking.

Two-thirds of the children praised for being “smart” chose the easier task. They wanted to protect their label. In contrast, 90% of the effort-praised group chose the harder challenge. They were motivated to stretch themselves.

Even more telling, the intelligence-praised group later showed a drop in performance, while the effort-praised group improved.

The message is clear: praising effort encourages a growth mindset – the belief that ability develops through practice.

Why effort-based praise builds confidence

When we focus on effort, persistence and strategy, children learn that:

  • Mistakes are part of learning

  • Challenge is an opportunity, not a threat

  • Progress comes from practice

  • Ability is not fixed

This mindset is particularly important during key academic stages such as SATs, GCSEs and the transition to secondary school, when confidence can fluctuate.

Children who believe they can improve are more willing to attempt difficult work and recover from setbacks.

How to praise your child effectively

Here are four simple strategies parents can use at home:

1. Focus on effort and strategy

Instead of saying, “You’re so clever,” try:
“You really concentrated on that.”
“I noticed you didn’t give up.”
“You tried a different method – that worked well.”

2. Notice small improvements

Confidence grows through visible progress.
“You solved that more quickly than last week.”
“Your reading sounds more fluent.”

3. Be specific and sincere

Children recognise exaggerated praise. Keep feedback honest and focused on behaviour.

4. Combine praise with next steps

Confidence grows when children know what they are doing well and what they are working towards.
“You’re organising your ideas clearly. Next, let’s focus on expanding your vocabulary.”

This balance keeps motivation high while encouraging steady development.

How Kumon develops resilient, independent learners

The Kumon Method of Learning is built around the principle that ability grows through practice.

Students begin at their individual ‘just-right’ level – comfortable enough to build confidence, yet challenging enough to promote growth.

Through daily study and small, incremental steps, students:

  • Experience regular success

  • Develop concentration and fluency

  • Learn to correct and refine their own work

  • Build resilience through steady challenge

  • Progress beyond school grade level over time

This structure naturally reinforces effort-based confidence. Progress is earned and visible, strengthening belief in improvement.

Families can choose to study using traditional worksheets or via KUMON CONNECT, Kumon’s digital platform. Students complete their work on a tablet using a stylus, preserving the cognitive benefits of handwriting while benefiting from flexible, consistent daily study. Parents can also view study records online, supporting routine and reinforcing the connection between effort and progress.

Building confidence that lasts

The words we use matter.

When we praise effort, perseverance and thoughtful strategy, we teach children that they are capable of growth. They are not defined by a single result – but by their willingness to keep trying.

And that belief can make all the difference.

To discover your child’s ‘just-right’ starting point, book a free assessment with your local Kumon Instructor.