Higher Education
Imagine trying to learn a new skill without knowing what you’re doing right — or wrong. For many adult learners, this is a familiar struggle. They’re left without guidance or confidence.
But the right feedback can make all the difference. Studies show that integrating structured feedback mechanisms in adult learning environments significantly improves both engagement and knowledge retention. Specifically, timely and specific feedback allows adult learners to address weaknesses immediately and reinforces learning outcomes — whether they’re mastering a technical skill, refining communication, or advancing their careers.
As an educator, trainer, or manager, your ability to deliver meaningful feedback can be the catalyst for growth. But providing feedback to adults is different from teaching children. Adults come with unique needs—they’re self-directed, goal-oriented, and focused on applying knowledge to real-world scenarios. This blog will show you how to tailor your feedback to meet those needs, using proven techniques and modern tools to empower adult learners to thrive.
Learning doesn’t stop in childhood. Adults face unique challenges, such as adapting to new technical skills, overcoming outdated habits, and managing personal and professional obligations. Yet, a common misconception persists: adults can naturally adapt to new skills or knowledge without guidance.
The truth? Adults thrive on feedback just as much as younger learners—if not more. Research shows that structured, actionable feedback helps adults unlearn ineffective habits and integrate new skills faster. For example, studies highlight that 83% of employees appreciate feedback as essential for improvement, and frequent feedback is tied to better engagement and skill development.
Effective feedback serves as a bridge, helping adults connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. Whether it’s refining communication skills or mastering technical tasks, feedback fuels growth by inspiring self-reflection and continuous growth.
Traditional feedback methods don’t always resonate with adults. Adults value autonomy and relevance, and they’re less receptive to generic or overly directive feedback. To succeed in providing feedback that sticks, you need strategies tailored to their unique needs.
The Situation-Behavior-Impact Framework breaks down feedback into three parts:
Example: “In yesterday’s presentation (situation), you spoke too quickly (behavior), which made it hard for the audience to follow (impact).”
Feedback is most effective when given immediately after the action. Delayed feedback can lose relevance and impact.
Shift the focus from mistakes to opportunities for growth. Highlight progress and potential rather than just outcomes. For example, “Your teamwork has improved significantly. Let’s work on refining your conflict resolution skills next.”
While children are often guided by external motivators, adults prefer feedback that respects their autonomy and connects to their personal goals. A growth-oriented approach taps into their intrinsic desire for self-improvement.
Providing feedback isn’t just a one-time effort—it’s an integral part of the learning process. Here’s how to embed it into your curriculum effectively:
For example, in vocational training, you can use observation and feedback tools in GoReact to evaluate technical skills. After reviewing a video of a skill demonstration, you’re able to provide time-stamped video feedback, helping learners see exactly where they excelled or need improvement.
Feedback is the key to unlocking potential in adult learners. By using frameworks like SBI, providing timely and growth-oriented guidance, and integrating feedback into your curriculum, you can help adult learners overcome challenges and achieve meaningful progress.
Additionally, today’s technology, like GoReact, provide tools that make it even easier for adult learners to demonstrate skills, self-reflect on their performance, and receive feedback. Discover how the new AI Assistant in GoReact helps educators and trainers provide effective feedback to all learners.
