The power of effective feedback in e-learning

Learning without feedback is like sailing without a compass. You have no idea if you're heading in the right direction, so “do you really do anything”. A real shame, of course. Feedback gives the student the opportunity to make adjustments. Are you doing well? Is the feedback positive? Super! Keep going like this. Are there areas for improvement? Better to denounce them as soon as possible so that the student can make adjustments and get the most out of the learning experience. The timing of the feedback is therefore also very important: the sooner the student receives feedback and continues to receive it on a regular basis - the better.

What exactly is feedback?
Feedback is an essential part of learning that helps students monitor their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and adjust their learning strategies in a timely manner.

Why is feedback so important?
Feedback is important for effective learning because it helps students understand how they are doing in their studies. It shows them what they're good at and where they can improve, motivating them to set goals and adjust their learning strategies. Feedback is like a roadmap that shows them the way. It also helps them develop self-confidence and want to work harder for a positive end result. Feedback therefore makes learning easier and more fun, because it guides and encourages students to become better at what they do.

‍

What are the most effective ways to provide feedback to e-learning learners?

1. Realistic situations

One of the most effective ways to provide feedback in e-learning is to engage students realistic situations to places that match their real challenges. By confronting them with scenarios that reflect reality, they become better prepared for the real world.

It's essential to provide feedback that shows the impact of real decisions in a safe environment so that students can learn from their mistakes without serious consequences.

2. Dramatise

Exaggerate the consequences of choices to increase engagement without discouraging students. By somewhat dramatising the consequences of decisions in e-learning, students become emotionally involved in the subject matter. Adding humorous elements to activities can take the pressure off while still providing the important feedback needed for behavioral change.

3. Gamification

Gamification offers various ways of giving feedback and can be very motivating. By earning points, reaching goals, or taking on challenges, students can be motivated and give you the opportunity to provide feedback in the form of rewards.

Create fun and engaging online games where students compete with each other, can achieve goals and earn points based on their progress. This makes learning interactive and fun, which increases engagement.

4. Encouraging

Using positive and motivational language is important to increase the student's involvement in learning and self-confidence. Instead of giving simple assessments like “This answer is good” whether “This answer is wrong,” encourage students with comments like “Keep it up!”, and “Well done!” when they are successful. In case of mistakes, you can encourage them with words like “Hang on!”, “Come on, you can do it!”, and “Don't give up!”‍

The choice of words has a powerful influence on how students receive feedback and how they experience their learning experience.

‍

Peer feedback and the importance of mentors
New employees often feel a little insecure at first. This is understandable, as they are not yet very familiar with the organisational structure, processes and colleagues. In such a situation, setting up peer feedback groups offers a valuable solution. By getting together with other new employees who started around the same time, there is an informal opportunity to share knowledge and experiences. This can relate to the processes, responsibilities, challenges and successes within the organisation. At the same time, new employees benefit from the expertise of their experienced colleagues, allowing them to grow within the organisation in a comfortable and supportive way.

Peer feedback groups therefore not only promote knowledge sharing, but also strengthen the sense of belonging and belonging among new employees.

For example, you can encourage students to rate each other and exchange views and comments about their progress on a discussion platform on the LMS. We stimulate social learning enormously, so you can start an online discussion in Pluvo to encourage the exchange of feedback. This ensures active informal conversations and can increase students' engagement.

‍