What role does feedback play in instructional design?

Feedback plays a crucial role in instructional design by offering learners insights on their performance. This feedback helps learners understand their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and adjust their learning strategies accordingly. When effectively integrated into instructional design, feedback can guide learners through the learning process, enhance engagement, and promote self-regulated learning. It fosters a growth mindset by allowing learners to see their progress and motivate them to strive for better outcomes.

In contrast, while feedback can influence grading and evaluation, its primary function in instructional design is to inform and facilitate the learning process rather than merely serving as a summative assessment tool. Additionally, feedback does not inherently standardize learning objectives; rather, it is focused on individual learner experiences. Lastly, while teaching effectiveness can be evaluated via the feedback process, the main emphasis in instructional design is on supporting the learner’s journey and outcomes, rather than solely on the instructor's performance.