The peer feedback process is an important part of the learning experience in this course sequence. It allows students to learn from each other and improve their work based on feedback from their peers. Peer feedback is incorporated into multiple assignments and activities throughout the courses to encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and the development of evaluation skills.
In most courses, students will be assigned two peer feedback partners that they provide feedback to and receive feedback from. At certain points in each course when assignments are due, the peer feedback process is initiated. Students first submit their own assignment by the due date. They are then able to access and review the work of their two assigned peer partners.
To structure the feedback, students are provided with a rubric that outlines the key criteria and learning objectives being assessed in the assignment. They are asked to thoroughly review their peers’ work based on this rubric. Students are expected to spend at least 30 minutes reviewing each assigned peer’s submission. While reviewing, they take notes on areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
Once the review is complete, students go back to the assignment submission page to formally provide their written feedback. For each criteria item in the rubric, they indicate whether the peer’s work meets expectations, exceeds expectations, or needs improvement. They then provide a short paragraph of explanatory feedback for each rubric item. The goal is to provide constructive suggestions that will truly help the peer enhance their work. Students are not able to see the feedback their peers provide until after they have submitted their own feedback.
After submitting feedback, students have the opportunity to incorporate the peer feedback they receive into improving their own assignment submission, if desired. A revision period of 1-2 days is given before the assignment due date passes. Students can choose whether or not to make revisions based on the peer input. All assignment submissions and feedback exchanges are facilitated through the learning management system to streamline the process.
Upon receiving their feedback from two peers, students are expected to thoroughly review the comments and suggestions. They thoughtfully consider how the feedback aligns with their own self-assessment and goals for the assignment. Students are encouraged to contact their peers if they have any questions about the feedback. The feedback is intended to be a learning opportunity, not a judgement. If revisions are made based on peer input, students briefly note what changes were incorporated at the top of their revised assignment before resubmitting.
Throughout each course, instructors monitor the quality of the peer feedback being provided. If feedback appears overly brief or lacks constructive value, the instructor may provide guidance to students on how to strengthen their peer evaluation skills. Once assignments are graded, peer feedback scores make up a small percentage of the overall assignment grade. This incentive encourages students to take the process seriously and focus on crafting detailed, thoughtful feedback to benefit their peers.
At the end of each course, students complete a confidential peer feedback survey. They evaluate the feedback they received from their two partners over the course in terms of quality, usefulness, and alignment with instructor expectations. This input helps instructors identify any peers who may need additional support or guidance to successfully participate. It also allows students an opportunity for anonymous feedback in case issues arose. The surveys provide valuable insights for continuously enhancing the peer feedback process across the course sequence.
Studies have shown peer feedback can be just as effective as instructor feedback when structured properly. This established process aims to maximize the benefits of peer learning evaluation and collaboration. It equips students with important career skills like providing constructive criticism, while also motivating them to draft high quality work that will represent them well to their classmates. The peer feedback element is designed to be a low-stakes yet high-impact part of the learning experience.