Delayed instructional feedback may be more effective, but is this contrary to learners' preferences?
File(s)BTEC 2015- Revision 3 for submission.docx (268.96 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Lefevre, DJ
cox, B
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This research investigates learners' preferences for the timing of feedback provided to multiple-choice questions within technology-based instruction, hitherto an area of little empirical attention. Digital materials are undergoing a period of renewed prominence within online learning and multiple-choice questions remain a common component. There is evidence that a delay in the provision of feedback following a learner's response to multiple-choice questions leads to an increase in subsequent performance. However, the learner's perspective on delayed feedback is yet to be explored. Learner preferences are pertinent as learning designs that run contrary to preferred learning behaviours can have a negative affect on motivation and therefore engagement. During a series of formative tests, subjects were presented with a choice of viewing either immediate or delayed feedback and their choices were recorded. Over a 2-year period data were collected relating to 599 subjects. Qualitative interviews were also conducted to investigate why subjects made their choices. In this research, subjects expressed a marked preference for immediate feedback, 95.33% chose to view feedback immediately following their response to a question. The reasons for this preference are explored and the implications for learning design are considered.
Date Issued
2016-07-26
Date Acceptance
2016-06-22
Citation
British Journal of Educational Technology, 2016, 48 (6), pp.1357-1367
ISSN
0007-1013
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
1357
End Page
1367
Journal / Book Title
British Journal of Educational Technology
Volume
48
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Lefevre, D. and Cox, B. (2017), Delayed instructional feedback may be more effective, but is this contrary to learners' preferences?. Br J Educ Technol, 48: 1357–1367, which has been published in final form at https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12495. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.
Subjects
Social Sciences
Education & Educational Research
MULTIPLE-CHOICE
RETENTION
IMMEDIATE
ANSWER
1303 Specialist Studies In Education
Education
Publication Status
Published