Explaining the Role of Effective Educational Feedback in Improving Learning Quality and Intrinsic Motivation
Keywords:
Educational feedback, learning quality, intrinsic motivation, self-regulated learning, classroom emotional climateAbstract
The aim of this study was to explain the role of effective educational feedback in enhancing learning quality and strengthening learners' intrinsic motivation. This study employed a qualitative review with theoretical content analysis. Data were derived from 15 selected scholarly articles that met inclusion criteria, focusing on educational feedback, learning quality, and intrinsic motivation, and published in reputable journals. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo version 14, following a three-stage coding process—open, axial, and selective coding—to identify key categories and subcategories until theoretical saturation was reached. Results indicated that effective educational feedback, characterized by clarity, timely delivery, personalization, constructiveness, positive–critical balance, and actionability, activates cognitive mechanisms including self-regulated learning, deep information processing, increased attention and focus, error correction, and metacognitive development. Moreover, effective feedback enhances intrinsic motivation by fostering competence, autonomy, reducing academic anxiety, increasing persistence and engagement, and forming positive learning attitudes. Contextual factors, such as teacher–learner relationship, classroom emotional climate, teacher competence, school culture, and assessment structure, further facilitate the effectiveness of feedback. Effective educational feedback is a crucial tool for improving learning quality and intrinsic motivation. Considering its structural characteristics and contextual factors, it strengthens active and self-regulated learning processes. Designing targeted, clear, and constructive feedback and creating a supportive and motivational learning environment are key practical recommendations for educators and educational policymakers.
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