Peer Reviewing Tips

Peer Review is likely to challenge some of you.

I have a few tips for you to follow:

• Your task is to provide feedback, both positive and critical — on all relevant elements of the document. In other words, do no simply point out the errors or omissions in the definition, but rather review the document and comment on all elements.

Begin by creating a list of the important parts of the document.

For example:

• Is the document appropriately titled, dated and contain the author’s name?
• Is the assignment introduced?
• Is the ‘setting’ for the definition and the audience clearly defined or described?
• Is the chosen term appropriate for the assignment?  If so, why? If not, why not?
• Does the assignment include three different definitions for the same term?
• Does the parenthetical definition include parenthesis?
• Does the expanded definition include the correct number of examples?
• Are the diagrams or visuals helpful? If so, why? If not, why not?
• Are the visuals correctly labelled and cited according to the textbook?
• Proofread for typos, spelling, and phrasing and suggest improvements where required, and/or comment on the quality of the writing positively.
• What makes it good writing?
• Finally, re-read the document and ask yourself – have the audience’s needs been met?  If so, why? If not, why not?
• End with a concluding passage that briefly bullet points the necessary revisions: it is not your job to correct grammar, but please do indicate grammar errors.
• It is not your job to make corrections or to “evaluate” – but rather to review and indicate weakness and strengths and assist as much as possible with suggestions for improvements.

You also have a hand-out to help your phrase your comments for this first peer review.

The point is to know what you are looking for before you begin to read the document.

Be sure to provide a  review that is complete and both positive and critical.

Be sure to also concern yourself with the organization and layout of your peer review.

Follow the textbook guidelines on organization and layout and – enjoy the process.

Assignment # 3: Self editing and reflections on your writing techniques.

After you receive your peer review you will self-edit your definition and post a link to your edited draft on your reflections blog. You will find that the process of reading your peer’s work with a critical eye, is as valuable as the review you will receive. The lesson has clear enough instruction on what I expect from your reflections.

One more time: PLEASE note – when you post on your team forum page, you will need to be sure to ‘categorize’ the post by your team name in the sidebar on the right – this is how it will show up on the Team Forum page.

Thank you and enjoy.