Feedback is important for the learning process, especially in e-learning. However, studies show: Incorrect feedback can even have negative effects! Find out in the article why positive feedback is more effective than negative feedback, and how to apply it properly in online courses.
Study proves: Positive feedback is more effective than negative
“You only learn from mistakes” – so says the saying. This is only partially correct. A study from 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 typically used in exams: they only received feedback when an answer was wrong. The other group received positive feedback, meaning they received feedback whenever 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, the progress in the “Negative” group was significantly less than in the “Positive” group (see graphic).
This means: Positive feedback enhances the learning effect. But why is that?
Negative emotions block learning
Generally, it applies: People react more strongly to negative events than to positive ones – emotionally and cognitively. At first glance, this seems contradictory to the study's results: shouldn't the learning effect be better when a stronger (negative) reaction is triggered?
The key point here is the emotion: Negative feedback is demotivating. And with the learning motivation, the learning effect decreases. Additionally, negative feedback triggers a sense of threat, diverting attention away from the learning material. Positive feedback, on the other hand, boosts self-esteem and the motivation of learners. In short: Positive emotions improve the learning process.
Correctly utilize positive feedback in e-learning
In online training and e-learning, motivation is an especially important factor: the commitment is lower without direct contact with the trainer or coach, and distractions (especially at home) are often higher. Here, as a trainer, you are particularly called upon to keep the motivation of your participants high through positive experiences.
Therefore, pay attention to the following three points when creating e-learning content:
Regularly give your participants positive feedback on their progress in the online course. A simple note “Congratulations, you have already completed 50% of the training!” is already very motivating.
Formulate negative feedback constructively. Convey to your participants that feedback is not meant as a “rebuke” but opens up opportunities for a successful conclusion of the e-learning. For example, instead of just giving the feedback “The answer was wrong,” provide a direct hint like “Check chapter 2 again if you haven't fully understood this point” or “Write a comment if you have understanding issues with this topic. The course leader will be happy to assist you.”
Especially use positive feedback for quizzes and exams: Give your participants direct feedback on correct answers, rather than just on incorrect ones. We will now give you a practical example.
Example of positive feedback in an online quiz
Quizzes are an effective way to regularly test and review participants' knowledge in e-learning. Usually, participants do not receive feedback directly from you. With a good e-learning tool, you can set automated feedback (correct/incorrect). However, this has a downside: this automated way makes it even more difficult for your participants to properly contextualize the feedback. Negative feedback can quickly come across as very “harsh.” This can quickly demotivate your participants from working on further learning content.
Whether and how you can solve this problem mainly depends on your tool. At blink.it, for example, you can set
whether participants receive feedback on correct or incorrect answers.
which hints are displayed.
whether participants receive a message if they have answered too few questions correctly (“not passed”).
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 upper example, settings are selected that are often used in classic (school) exams. The participant only sees what they did wrong. Correct answers are not commented on. Additionally, there is a clear message that this quiz was not passed.
In the lower example, however, the participant receives positive feedback on the correct answers. Furthermore, the participant gets a neutral piece of information on how many questions they have already answered correctly. This increases the motivation for a second attempt!
As you can see, small adjustments are enough to effectively use positive feedback in e-learning as well. Now review your existing online courses and change negative feedback into positive wherever possible.
Are you still looking for a tool with which you can implement positive feedback in online courses perfectly? Then take a closer look at blink.it and book a free demo to soon be able to start with sustainable online courses!
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