The Role of Teacher Feedback in Competency-Based Education: Monitoring Students' Personal Progress and Goal Setting

Aim. This study aims to explore the role of teacher feedback in competency-based education, focusing on how it supports students in setting learning goals, engaging in reflection, and sustaining their learning processes. Methods. The research was conducted in two Lithuanian schools and involved six primary school teachers and 108 fourth-grade students. Data collection methods included the analysis of students’ goal-setting notebooks, semi-structured interviews with teachers, and focus group discussions with students. Results. The findings indicate that structured and timely feedback significantly enhances students’ motivation to set learning goals and engage in reflective practices. Students who consistently received personalised feedback demonstrated a stronger capacity to track their learning progress and maintain engagement in the learning process. Additionally, parental involvement was identified as a significant factor reinforcing students’ motivation and independence in monitoring their progress. Conclusion. The study highlights the crucial role of teacher support in fostering students' autonomy in goal-setting, analysing, and reflecting on their learning. Formative feedback emerges as a key mechanism for promoting motivation, deeper cognitive involvement, and the ability to sustain progress in a competency-based learning environment. Future research should investigate effective formative feedback strategies across diverse educational contexts, including the potential of digital tools to strengthen reflective learning practices. Research restrictions. The study was limited to two schools and fourth-grade students, which may affect the generalisability of the findings to other educational levels and contexts. Cognitive value. This study is significant as it reveals how purposeful and personalized teacher feedback can substantially strengthen students’ motivation, goal-setting, and reflection. These insights provide practical value for both teachers and school leaders aiming to improve the quality of education and implement the principles of competency-based learning.