Feedback is important for the learning process, especially in e-learning. However, studies show: 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 feedback
“You only learn from mistakes” – so says popular belief. However, this is only partly true. 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 traditionally used in exams: They only received feedback when an answer was incorrect. 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, both groups received the same questions again. Both groups improved their results. However, the progress of the “Negative” group was significantly less than that of the “Positive” group (see graph).
This means: Positive feedback enhances the learning effect. But why is this the case?
Negative emotions block learning
In general terms: 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 be better if 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. Furthermore, negative feedback triggers a sense of threat, thus diverting attention from the learning material. Positive feedback, on the other hand, boosts the self-esteem and motivation of 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: The commitment is lower without direct contact with a trainer or coach, and distractions (especially in home office) are usually higher. Here, you, as a trainer, are especially needed to maintain your participants' motivation through positive experiences.
In digital learning, the direct feedback from trainers or colleagues is often lacking. Therefore, automated prompts, progress indicators, or small success messages play an important role. They help participants to perceive their learning progress and stay motivated to continue learning.
Therefore, pay attention to the following three points when creating e-learning:
Provide your participants with regular positive feedback on their progress in the online course. A simple note like “Congratulations, you've already completed 50% of the training!” is already very motivating.
Phrase negative feedback constructively. Convey to your participants that feedback is not meant as a “rebuke” but opens opportunities for a successful completion of the e-learning. For example, do not just give the feedback “The answer was incorrect”, but also provide a suggestion like “Please check chapter 2 again if you haven't quite understood this point” or “Leave a comment if you have understanding issues with this topic. The course leader will be happy to help you.”
Especially in quizzes and exams, use positive feedback: Give your participants direct feedback on correct answers rather than just on incorrect ones. We will now provide you with a practical example.
Example of positive feedback in an online quiz
Quizzes are an effective way in e-learning to regularly test and refresh participants' knowledge. Usually, participants do not receive feedback directly from you personally. With a good e-learning tool, you can set automated feedback (correct/incorrect). However, there is a catch: This automated approach makes it even more difficult for your participants to correctly interpret the feedback. Negative feedback can thus 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 depends largely on your tool. For example, with blink.it, 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 (“failed”).
In the following image, you 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 chosen that are often used, for example, in traditional (school) exams. The participant only sees what they did wrong. The correct answers are not commented on. Furthermore, there is a clear message that this quiz was failed.
In contrast, in the lower example, the participant receives positive feedback on the correct answers. Additionally, the participant receives neutral information on how many questions they have already answered correctly. This increases the 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 about their successes rather than being pointed out only on mistakes. Positive emotions strengthen self-confidence and ensure that participants remain motivated and continue to engage with the learning content.
Especially 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 have a significant impact. Motivational prompts, constructive feedback, and positive quiz feedback help to make the learning process more enjoyable and sustainably improve the learning effect.
Updated on 09.03.2026
