EFFECT OF FEEDBACK ON LEARNING

Effect Of Different Types Of Feedback On Learning

Effect Of Different Types Of Feedback On Learning

Introduction

Feedback differs in form and degree of elaboration and hence concerning the information that has to be processed by the learner. The impact of feedback on learning depends not only on the kind of feedback provided, but also on how the learner deals with feedback information. Two main factors can, thus, be distinguished that determine feedback effectiveness: feedback design and feedback reception .

Literature Review

To facilitate learning in statistics a number of instructional interventions have been tried. In this respect, e-learning has gained importance in recent years, as it enables students to learn in a self-regulated manner and is considered to be a way to assist learners individually even under adverse learning conditions (Mandl & Krause, 2003). In the present study, the e-learning environment Koralle on correlation analysis was implemented. Correlation is a central concept in statistics and, at the same time, a topic that consistently creates problems to students.

Koralle is based on worked examples; this approach has repeatedly proved efficient in well-structured fields. Worked examples demonstrate problem solving in a step-by-step manner and therefore facilitate acquisition of appropriate solution schemas for structurally similar problems. Effectiveness of example-based learning is often explained by cognitive-load theory: studying examples requires hardly any mnemonic search processes, so instruction-based demands on working memory (extraneous load) are low. Capacity can thus be more thoroughly used for productive learning activities (germane load), such as self-explanations (Renkl, 2005).

Feedback is generally subdivided into many categories, three of which are the following: knowledge of results, knowledge of correct response, and elaborated feedback. Empirical findings show that elaborated feedback is more effective than mere knowledge of results or knowledge of correct response (Moreno, 2004). By highlighting mistakes and offering explanations or other additional information, elaborated feedback helps students to reflect on the presented information and on their own knowledge and should thereby facilitate elaboration of the material, correction of misconceptions, and filling of knowledge gaps.

Automatic adaptive feedback requires a testing mode, such as multiple-choice, that permits automatic answer analysis. In well-structured fields (like correlation analysis), where there is a clear “right” or “wrong” response, this form of testing and feedback provision is easy to implement. So, in this study, multiple-choice tests with immediate, adaptive feedback were employed. Like the rest of the learning environment, the multiple-choice tests referred to realistic and relevant problems. As feedback was meant to facilitate elaboration and to fill knowledge gaps, elaborated feedback was provided, which consisted of knowledge of results, knowledge of correct response, and explanations why the student's answer was correct or not.

Positive (i.e., confirming) feedback that is perceived as supporting and informational promotes feelings of competence and thus fosters students' motivation to deal with subject matter. The multiple-choice tests that were part of the feedback intervention in this study were only moderately demanding; therefore, the subsequent elaborated feedback should be largely confirming and thus enhance perceived performance and perceived ...