How can feedback be improperly designed in instructional settings?

Feedback is a crucial component of the learning process, and its effectiveness is greatly influenced by its design. When feedback is vague or not timely, it can create confusion for learners, making it difficult for them to understand what specific actions led to their performance outcomes. This lack of clarity can prevent learners from making the necessary adjustments to improve and may lead to repeated mistakes. Timely feedback is essential; it should be provided as close to the learning activity as possible to ensure that learners can make connections between their actions and the resulting feedback. Overall, when feedback lacks specificity and promptness, it becomes less effective and can hinder the learning process, leaving learners without a clear pathway for growth and improvement.