Introduction
Peer review has long been recognized as a valuable tool in education, offering students an opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills while engaging deeply with course material. However, effectively incorporating peer review into a course requires intentionality and a strategic approach.
One effective way to design and implement peer review activities is by using a transparent assignment design framework. This approach ensures that students clearly understand the purpose, tasks, and criteria for peer review, making the process more equitable and impactful.
In this article, we’ll explore a roadmap for integrating peer review into your teaching, weaving in the role of transparency to enhance the experience. From reflecting on your goals to identifying practical tools, we’ll cover five key areas to help you make peer review an enriching experience for your students.
1. Reflecting on Intentionality in Peer Review
Incorporating peer review is most impactful when done with a clear purpose. Before introducing it into your course, ask yourself:
- What specific skills or outcomes do I want students to achieve through peer review?
- How does peer review support my course objectives?
To make your goals explicit to students, use a transparent assignment design framework. That is, clearly communicate:
- The purpose of the peer review activity (e.g., to develop critical thinking or improve a draft).
- The specific tasks students will perform and t he related resources needed (e.g., providing feedback and rubric needed to evaluate a peer's work.
- The criteria for which their peer review asignment will be graded.
This intentionality and transparency ensure that peer review isn’t just an add-on but an integral part of the learning process.
2. Skills Students Develop Through Peer Review
Peer review offers students a unique opportunity to develop a range of skills that are crucial both academically and professionally:
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing peers’ work encourages students to evaluate ideas, apply concepts, and synthesize information.
- Communication: Providing constructive feedback helps students articulate their thoughts clearly and diplomatically.
- Collaboration: Peer review fosters a sense of community and helps students learn to work effectively with others.
- Metacognition: By reviewing others’ work, students reflect on their own learning, recognizing strengths and areas for improvement.
Transparency can further enhance these benefits. For example, providing explicit criteria for feedback helps students focus on specific aspects of their peers’ work, reducing anxiety and promoting constructive critiques.
3. Considering a Peer Review-Focused Course Objective
A course-level learning objective focused on peer review can make its purpose and value explicit to students. For example:
- "Provide constructive feedback on a peer’s work, focusing on both strengths and areas for improvement"
- "Review a peer’s design proposal for adherence to engineering standards."
- "Analyze a peer’s speech draft for clarity, persuasion, and audience engagement."
Transparent assignment design can support this goal by helping students understand how peer review aligns with their broader learning outcomes. This clarity ensures that students see peer review not just as a task but as a meaningful opportunity for growth.
4. Best Practices for Applying Peer Review as an Assessment Strategy
Successfully integrating peer review into your course involves thoughtful planning and execution. Here are some best practices:
- Set Clear Expectations: Use the transparent assignment design framework to outline the purpose, tasks, and criteria for peer review.
- Train Students: Dedicate some time in-class or offer an asynchronous pre-recorded lecture with resources on how to give constructive and respectful feedback. (e.g., see tips on providing helpful feedback)
- Incorporate Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on the feedback they receive and how they can apply it.
- Balance Workload: Use peer review for formative purposes (e.g., drafts) as well as summative assessments to avoid overwhelming students.
- Monitor the Process: Be available to mediate or guide discussions if necessary, ensuring feedback remains constructive.
Transparency ensures that students understand the "why" and "how" of peer review, reducing confusion and increasing their investment in the process.
5. Tools and Resources for Faciliating Peer Review
Technology can make implementing peer review more efficient and scalable. Some tools to consider:
- Learning Management Systems (LMS): While D2L does not offer a native Peer Review feature there are ways of setting up a D2L course so that it can handle Peer Reviews.
- Internal Tools that offer Peer Review functionality: EliReview and Perusall.
- External Dedicated Peer Review Tools: Tools such as Kritik or FeedbackFruits provide specialized features for peer assessments.
Using the transparent assignment design framework, you can integrate these tools effectively by providing clear instructions and rubrics. Additionally, many institutions provide support through teaching and learning centers, offering templates and guides to help you design peer review assignments.
Conclusion
Integrating peer review into your course can transform the learning experience, fostering critical skills and deeper engagement among students. By reflecting on your goals, aligning peer review with course objectives, following best practices, and leveraging transparency, you can create a meaningful and efficient process.
Transparent assignment design enhances every step of this process, making expectations clear and accessible to all students. This not only supports equity but also empowers students to fully engage with peer review as a valuable learning activity.
Have you used peer review in your course? Share your experiences and insights in the comments! If you’re new to peer review, consider trying a small activity in your next course and building from there. For additional support, reach out to the Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation!
