Peer Assessment – Teach Anywhere

Watch this short video to set the stage for information about peer assessment

Overview

Peer assessment (sometimes referred to as review) is a process where students evaluate and provide feedback to another student.

When students actively participate in the evaluation process for their peers, they gain autonomy and choice, which evidence shows enhances engagement. Whether the evaluation is formative or summative, when implemented correctly, this process benefits both student and instructor.

For students, engaging in peer assessment encourages them to interact with assessment criteria which will benefit their own work, while suggesting alternative assessment ideas to their peers (Mulder, Baik, Naylor, & Pearce, 2014). Added to this, students learn how to provide peer feedback, an essential attribute to their life beyond the college walls. Typically, when engaged in peer evaluation, it is noted that students provide more feedback than instructors which can be invaluable for learning.

For instructors, making space by not having to grade assignments can offset time spent focused in more intentional teaching in other areas or properly guiding students through the per assessment process. Working in collaboration with students in this manner, helps an instructor to understand any misconceptions the peer assessor may have when providing feedback, and is available to steer the student to correct the misunderstanding which may have gone unaddressed otherwise.

Let’s not forget that students might not always enjoy the peer feedback process, and instructors may experience pushback. Students may find it uncomfortable to grade their peer or provide feedback on something that they are themselves unsure of. However, it is important to share the evidence behind this strategy to demonstrate the benefits for both them and their peers.

McGill offers a great resource about how to design peer assessment complete with ideas for assignments and how to use rubrics.

U of Alberta also has some relevant information on peer assessment.

Cornell provides examples of how to “get started” with peer assessment.

UBC provides examples from faculty who have integrated peer assessment as well as information on how to get started.

If this is a strategy that you wish to integrate into your course, contact CTLI for support.