What is meant by corrective feedback in a learning context?

Corrective feedback refers specifically to immediate correction intended to address and rectify errors as they occur, allowing learners to understand their mistakes in real-time. This type of feedback is vital in a learning environment because it enables students to adjust their thinking or behaviors promptly, thus reinforcing correct information and skill acquisition.

When learners receive immediate feedback, they can engage with the material more constructively, reducing the chance of misunderstanding or misapplying concepts in later tasks. This contrasts with other forms of feedback, which may not provide the timely intervention necessary to prevent the reinforcement of incorrect methods. For instance, positive reinforcement for success encourages desirable behavior but does not specifically address errors, while general suggestions for improvement might lack the specificity or immediacy needed for effective learning. Similarly, delayed feedback can provide insight into overall performance but may not help the learner correct specific mistakes as they arise, making it less effective for immediate learning reinforcement.