How important is it to receive feedback in your language learning? In my experience, it’s irrelevant – if you don’t care about developing your language skills in a timely, efficient and effective manner, that is.
Barring that from your own value system, then feedback is extremely valuable. Just like input from readers is the best way for writers to learn about their shortcomings with their craft, so does the opinion of those you practice the language on matter in gauging what areas you need to improve upon.
Feedback And Growth
While there may be a subset of language learners out there who manage to “grow” even with isolation, it is obvious that they’re few and far between. A student who sits alone with a language learning software for three months will undoubtedly develop far slower than someone who does the same, then goes out and practices with native speakers twice a week. You can’t put a price on the kind of feedback that you can get from natural and organic interactions.
It is for that reason why you can never put enough stress on the importance of going out and applying every bit of skill you learn. Even if it’s just three nouns and two verbs, you should take the leap and use it the first chance you get, as it’s the only way to truly learn in an efficient manner.
Quality Of Feedback
Quality of feedback, of course, is also important. You need to keep challenging yourself around people who know better than you. If you restrict your practice to your classmates who are no more advanced than you are, the quality of the reactions you will get will likely not be all that beneficial.