Using Peer-Review Effectively in Large, Diverse Classes

Building Scholarly Writers: Student Perspectives on Peer Review in a Doctoral Writing Seminar

“…Empirical studies conducted in the humanities have affirmed the value of peer review in the teaching and learning process (Ching, 2007;Flynn, 2008;Yang, 2011;Yuehchiu, 2007). Based on a historical analysis of peer review as a teaching tool, Ching (2007) pointed out that its use in composition classes dates back to the late 19th century.…”

The Invisible Composition Classroom: The Reciprocity of Face, Identity, and Politeness

“…Promoting critical thinking is not always the goal of the peer review process; many composition instructors have different goals in mind. As Flynn (2008) notes, peer review has the potential to accomplish three different but related goals. It can: 1) engage students in the writing and revision process; 2) increase students' awareness of audience, drawing attention to the collaborative nature of writing and communication; and, 3) hone students' critical skills by enabling them to see what makes writing more or less effective (p. 65).…”

“…And when students delve into the realm of risky writing, the delicate balance between support and correction becomes even more difficult to negotiate. Flynn (2008) noted that one way instructors can support students' risk-taking is by engaging in genuine dialogue with students about their writing. According to Flynn (2008) "When students feel that instructors are in dialogue with their thoughts, they themselves begin to take those thoughts more seriously and try to articulate them more clearly" (p. 67).…”