Which of the following statements best describes motivating feedback in physical education?

• A. Feedback that provides a clear, actionable path for improvement.
• B. Feedback that criticizes performance and discourages students.
• C. Feedback that is entirely general and non-specific.
• D. Feedback that focuses only on winning outcomes.

Answer: (A)

Motivating feedback in physical education is feedback that helps students improve by giving clear, specific steps they can take next. It describes observable actions, explains why those actions matter for the skill, and offers a concrete path to try in the next practice or performance. This type of feedback supports students’ belief that they can improve (self-efficacy) and keeps them engaged because they know exactly what to adjust and how to adjust it. When feedback is actionable and future-focused, it turns guidance into a plan for progress, which is the most effective way to boost motivation and skill development. Critics or vague praise—without specifics—doesn’t guide improvement, general or non-specific feedback leaves students unsure what to change, and focusing only on winning emphasizes outcomes over learning, which can undermine motivation and skill growth.