What is a likely outcome when feedback emphasizes effort and improvement opportunities?

What is a likely outcome when feedback emphasizes effort and improvement opportunities?

• A. They feel they can control their own improvement.
• B. They feel they cannot improve.
• C. They become distracted by feedback.
• D. They ignore feedback.

Answer: (A)

Feedback that emphasizes effort and opportunities for improvement signals that learning is something you can influence. When students are told that their progress comes from the actions they take—how hard they try, what strategies they choose, and how they apply feedback—they develop a sense of agency. They believe they can shape their own outcomes by improving processes, practicing more, and adjusting approaches. This fosters motivation and persistence, especially when tasks are challenging, because the path to better results is within their control. In contrast, messages that frame ability as fixed or that center on innate talent can reduce this sense of control and lower ongoing effort or engagement.

Feedback that emphasizes effort and opportunities for improvement signals that learning is something you can influence. When students are told that their progress comes from the actions they take—how hard they try, what strategies they choose, and how they apply feedback—they develop a sense of agency. They believe they can shape their own outcomes by improving processes, practicing more, and adjusting approaches. This fosters motivation and persistence, especially when tasks are challenging, because the path to better results is within their control. In contrast, messages that frame ability as fixed or that center on innate talent can reduce this sense of control and lower ongoing effort or engagement.