Positive feedback is most beneficial when it is:

Positive feedback is most beneficial when it is immediate and specific because this approach helps reinforce desired behaviors or skills at the moment they are demonstrated. Immediate feedback allows the individual to connect their actions with the positive reinforcement directly, enhancing learning and motivation. Specific feedback provides clear insight into what exactly was done well, which helps the recipient understand their strengths and encourages them to repeat those actions in the future.

For example, instead of saying "Good job," saying "You did a great job explaining that concept clearly and engaging the class," gives clear, actionable appreciation. This kind of feedback is much more effective in fostering improvement and confidence, as opposed to feedback that is general, vague, or delayed, which might not resonate with the recipient as effectively. Feedback that comes only at the end of a course can also be less impactful as it lacks the immediacy needed for the individual to associate their performance with the feedback, thus making it less effective in guiding ongoing development.