What type of feedback is most beneficial for learners?

Specific and constructive criticism is the most beneficial type of feedback for learners because it provides clear, actionable insights that can help them improve their skills and understanding. This type of feedback focuses on particular aspects of a learner’s performance, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement in a detailed manner. By highlighting exactly what the learner has done well or where they need to focus their efforts, it allows them to make targeted changes, fostering a growth mindset.

Specific feedback encourages learners to reflect on their work, understand the rationale behind suggestions for improvement, and apply this knowledge in future tasks. In contrast to non-specific praise or general observational comments, which may lack depth and fail to guide the learner on how to progress, specific and constructive criticism equips learners with the tools they need to enhance their learning experience. Feedback provided at the end of a course can also be less effective as it may not address immediate needs or facilitate timely improvements in ongoing learning.