Excessive guidance by the instructor is likely to result in learner apathy, conformity, defiance, scapegoating, or escape from the whole affair. Guidance is most helpful early in the development of a skill. Verbal guidance helps, but the learner must still perform. Guidance can best serve to call attention to significant aspects of the problem and to suggest generalizations. Reinforcement is most effective when attached to specific acts.
Immediate reinforcement is best.
Any reinforcement is better when used in moderation. Actual feelings of success are superior to teacher praise. Punishment helps to remember what to avoid but may not help to know what would have been better. Practice without knowledge of results brings little or no improvement. Individuals vary widely in the way they respond to knowledge of results.