Objective: University Professors feedback is a central component of pre-service teacher education, influencing not only performance but also emotional, cognitive, and relational experiences of learners. Despite extensive research on feedback, little is known about how pre-service teachers experience feedback as an emotional–cognitive phenomenon that affects learning, memory, and professional identity. This research aimed to conceptualize University Professors feedback as an “emotional–cognitive catalyst” and explore its role in shaping learning, memory consolidation, and professional identity formation in pre-service teachers.
Method: A qualitative approach grounded in Van Manen’s (2016) interpretive phenomenology was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pre-service teachers at Farhangian University. Data were analyzed to identify themes related to emotional, cognitive, relational, and memorization aspects of feedback experiences.
Results: Analysis revealed that feedback functions as a multidimensional and existential event. Meaning-making and relational feedback facilitated deep learning, long-term memory consolidation, intrinsic motivation, and professional self-image development. Conversely, controlling or harmful feedback led to superficial processing, reduced motivation, and disruption of educational memory. The findings highlight the mediating role of feedback in linking emotion, cognition, and professionalization.
Conclusions: Well-structured, emotionally supportive feedback is essential for enhancing learning outcomes and professional identity in teacher education. Attention to both content and relational quality is crucial for feedback to serve as an effective emotional–cognitive catalyst, suggesting practical strategies for teacher training and future research directions