Feedback is important for the learning process, especially in e-learning. However, studies show: Incorrect feedback can even have negative effects! Find out in this article why positive feedback is more effective than negative feedback, and how you can use it correctly in online courses.
Study proves: Positive feedback is more effective than negative
“We only learn from our mistakes” – as the popular saying goes. However, this is only partially correct. A study by the University of Chicago shows: It depends on the type of feedback whether we learn quickly after making a mistake.
For the study, 329 participants were divided into two groups. Both groups received the same set of questions. One group received negative feedback, as is classically used in exams: They only received feedback if an answer was incorrect. The other group received positive feedback, i.e., always feedback when an answer was correct, and no feedback on incorrect answers.
In a second round, the groups received the same questions again. Both groups improved their results. However, progress in the “negative” group was significantly lower than in the “positive” group (see graphic).
This means: Positive feedback improves the learning effect. But why is that?
Negative emotions block learning
Generally speaking, people react more strongly to negative events than to positive ones – emotionally and cognitively. At first glance, this seems to contradict the results of the study: shouldn't the learning effect actually be better if a stronger (negative) reaction is triggered?
The sticking point here is emotion: Negative feedback has a demotivating effect. And as learning motivation decreases, so does the learning effect. In addition, negative feedback triggers a feeling of threat, thus distracting attention from the learning material. Positive feedback, on the other hand, boosts the self-esteem and motivation of the learners. In short: Positive emotions improve the learning process.
How to use positive feedback correctly in e-learning
In online training and e-learning, motivation is a particularly important factor: commitment is lower without direct contact with the trainer or coach, and distraction (especially when working from home) is usually higher. Here, you as a trainer are particularly called upon to keep your participants' motivation high through positive experiences.
In digital learning in particular, direct feedback from trainers or colleagues is often lacking. That is why automated tips, progress indicators, or small success messages play an important role. They help participants notice their learning progress and stay motivated to keep learning.
Therefore, pay attention to the following three points when creating e-learning:
Give your participants regular positive feedback on their progress in the online course. A simple note like “Congratulations, you have already completed 50% of the training!” is highly motivating.
Formulate negative feedback constructively. Convey to your participants that feedback is not meant as a “reprimand”, but rather opens up opportunities for successful completion of the e-learning. For example, don't just give the feedback “The answer was incorrect”, but directly add a tip such as “Have another look at Chapter 2 if you didn't quite understand this point yet” or “Write a comment if you have comprehension problems with this topic. The course instructor will then be happy to help you”.
Use positive feedback especially in quizzes and exams: Give your participants direct feedback on correct answers, instead of only on incorrect ones. Let's give you a practical example of this now.
Example of positive feedback in an online quiz
Quizzes are an effective way in e-learning to regularly test and repeat participants' knowledge. Most of the time, participants do not receive feedback directly from you in person. With a good e-learning tool, you can set up automated feedback (correct/incorrect). But there is a catch: this automated path makes it even more difficult for your participants to interpret the feedback correctly. Negative feedback can therefore quickly come across as very “harsh”. This is exactly what can quickly demotivate your participants from working on further learning content.
Whether and how you can solve this problem largely depends on your tool. With blink.it, for example, you can configure
whether participants receive feedback on correct or incorrect answers.
which hint texts are displayed.
whether participants receive a message if they answered too few questions correctly (“failed”).
In the following image, you can see two examples of a quiz on the blink.it platform:
Example of positive and negative feedback in e-learning. // Source: blink.it platform
In the top example, settings are selected that are often used, for instance, in traditional (school) exams. The participant only sees what they did wrong. The correct answers are not commented on. In addition, there is a clear message that this quiz was not passed.
In the bottom example, however, the participant receives positive feedback on the correct answers. In addition, the participant receives neutral information about how many questions they have already answered correctly. This increases motivation for a second attempt!
Conclusion
Positive feedback is one of the most effective methods to increase motivation and learning success in e-learning.
The study clearly shows that learners benefit more when they receive feedback on their successes rather than solely being pointed to mistakes. Positive emotions strengthen self-confidence and ensure that participants remain motivated and continue to engage with the learning content.
Particularly in digital learning, feedback plays a central role. Without direct contact with the trainer, participants need clear signals that they are making progress and are on the right track.
Even small adjustments in the online course can make a big difference here. Motivating tips, constructive feedback, and positive quiz feedback help make the learning process more enjoyable and sustainably improve the learning effect.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Why is positive feedback particularly effective when learning?
Positive feedback strengthens motivation and self-confidence. Learners perceive their progress more consciously and remain more willing to continue engaging with the learning content.
Why can negative feedback impair the learning effect?
Negative feedback can demotivate and distract attention from the actual learning material. Especially pure error messages without any assistance can make the further learning process more difficult.
How should negative feedback be formulated in e-learning?
Instead of just pointing out a mistake, the feedback should be constructive and offer a next step, such as a reference to suitable learning content or the opportunity to obtain support.
How can positive feedback be used in online courses?
Suitable examples include progress messages, motivating tips, feedback on correct quiz answers, and success messages after completed learning sections.
What role does automated feedback play in online quizzes?
Automated feedback gives participants immediate feedback on their learning status. Through appropriate hint texts and positive feedback on correct answers, it can simultaneously promote motivation for further learning.
