Some useful things I found while researching for my thesis. This is from The Myth of the Learning Machine by John M. Heaford, 1983. I'm focusing on Chapter 2.
The role of feedback in learning is the correction of mistakes. It does almost nothing for reinforcing positive behaviors, so it is not the technique for students approaching mastery, but for students just beginning. Studies have shown that immediate feedback is more effective than delayed feedback. Kulvahy and Yekovich created a model for student response to feedback on quizzes that goes something like this:
1) Study the material
2) Respond to question at initial confidence level
3) Obtain feedback
* Answer correct?
** Was initial confidence level high?
*** Yes: Do nothing.
*** No: Study item to increase understanding.
* Answer incorrect?
** Was initial confidence level high?
*** Yes: Look over material and locate source of error.
*** In both cases: Study item to correct error.
This is one reason why games are such good teaching tools. They provide immediate feedback, causing the player to start over again if he fails.
