Feedback is important for the learning process, especially in e-learning. Studies show, however: Incorrect feedback can even have negative effects! Learn in the article why positive feedback is more effective than negative feedback, and how to use it correctly in online courses.
Study proves: Positive feedback is more effective than negative
“One learns only from mistakes” – so goes the saying. However, this is only partially true. A study from the University of Chicago shows: It depends on the type of feedback whether we learn quickly after making a mistake.
In the study, 329 participants were divided into two groups. Both groups received the same series of questions. One group received negative feedback, as is traditionally used in exams: They received feedback only when an answer was wrong. The other group received positive feedback, meaning they always received feedback when an answer was correct, and no feedback for 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 lower than in the “Positive” group (see graphic).
This means: Positive feedback improves the learning effect. But why is that?
Negative emotions block learning
As a general rule, people react more strongly to negative events than to positive ones – emotionally and cognitively. At first glance, this seems contradictory to the study's findings: Shouldn't the learning effect be better if a stronger (negative) reaction is triggered?
The crux of the matter is the emotion: Negative feedback is demotivating. And with learning motivation, the learning effect decreases. Furthermore, negative feedback triggers a sense of threat, thereby 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 enhance the learning process.
Using positive feedback effectively in e-learning
In online training and e-learning, motivation is a particularly important factor: The commitment is lower without direct contact to the trainer or coach, and the distractions (especially in home office) are often greater. Here, you as a trainer are especially called upon to keep your participants' motivation high through positive experiences.
Therefore, pay attention to the following three points when creating e-learning courses:
Regularly give your participants positive feedback on their progress in the online course. A simple note like “Congratulations, you have already completed 50% of the training!” is very motivating.
Formulate negative feedback constructively. Convey to your participants that feedback is not meant as a “reprimand,” but opens up opportunities for a successful completion of the e-learning. For example, instead of just giving the feedback “The answer was wrong,” also provide a hint such as “Check chapter 2 again if you haven't quite understood this point” or “Leave a comment if you have difficulties understanding this topic. The course instructor will gladly help you.”
Especially for quizzes and exams, use positive feedback: Give your participants direct feedback on correct answers, instead of just on wrong ones. Now we will give you a practical example.
Example of positive feedback in an online quiz
Quizzes are an effective way in e-learning to regularly test and repeat the knowledge of participants. Often, the participants do not receive feedback directly from you personally. With a good e-learning tool, you can set feedback automatically (correct/wrong). However, there is a catch: This automated method makes it even more challenging for your participants to correctly classify the feedback. Negative feedback quickly comes across as very “harsh.” This can quickly demotivate your participants from working on further learning content.
Whether and how you can solve this problem greatly depends on your tool. At blink.it, for example, you can set
whether participants receive feedback on correct or incorrect answers.
which hint texts are displayed.
whether participants receive a notification if they answered too few questions correctly (“not passed”).
In the following image, you can see two examples for 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 chosen that are often used in traditional (school) exams. The participant only sees what they did wrong. The correct answers are not commented on. Additionally, there is a clear notification that this quiz was not passed.
In the lower example, however, the participant receives positive feedback on the correct answers. In addition, the participant receives a neutral piece of information regarding how many questions they have answered correctly. This increases the motivation for a second attempt!
As you can see, even small adjustments are enough to use positive feedback effectively in e-learning. Now review your existing online courses and change negative feedback into positive wherever possible.
