Fostering achievement and motivation with bug-related tutoring feedback in a computer-based training for written subtraction

Most studies on feedback compare elaborated feedback types presenting knowledge on the correct response (KCR) immediately together with further information to simple feedback types providing knowledge of result (KR) or KCR. This study uses bug-related tutoring feedback (BRT-feedback) offering strategic information for error correction, but no immediate KCR. In a computer-based learning experiment with 50 fourth-grade pupils having learning difficulties in written subtraction, cognitive and motivational effects of this BRT-feedback algorithm were compared to the effects of a traditional KR-KCR-feedback algorithm. Results show that BRT-feedback is significantly more beneficial for achievement and motivation than KR-KCR-feedback. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.