Student Assessment and FeedbackOnline and Blended LearningEducation and Communication Studies

Chi Zhou, Yanqiu Liu, Fenghua Shao, Jie Gao, Min Chen

2026.1.4Distance Education

DOI: 10.1080/01587919.2025.2604070

Abstract

The rapid expansion of online education highlights the importance of high-quality teacher feedback in enhancing student motivation and academic performance. However, there remains a lack of effective models and tools for systematically evaluating the quality of online teacher feedback. This study develops a comprehensive evaluation model based on Environment-Based Design principles, a systematic literature review, and expert consultation. The model identifies three essential dimensions of feedback quality: cognitive support, emotional care, and relational connection. A validated scale for measuring these dimensions is introduced, offering a robust tool for future educational research. The study further examines the influence of teacher characteristics, revealing that only teaching experience significantly affects feedback quality, whereas gender, age, and educational background have no significant effects. By presenting a theoretically grounded and empirically validated model, this research advances the understanding and assessment of online teacher feedback and offers implications for improving online teaching practices.

Citation format

ZHOU, Chi, et al. A comprehensive model for evaluating the quality of online teacher feedback: Development, validation, and educational implications. Distance Education, 2026, 47(2): 185–209.