The following paragraphs will look at peer assessment in the university setting including its

benefits, challenges, and best practices.

Peer assessment is a process in which students evaluate, critique, grade and/ or provide feedback

to fellow classmates. This type of student-centered evaluation can be given on written

assignments, projects, discussions, etc. and provides feedback to help facilitate learning.

“The research shows that the person providing the feedback benefits just as much as the

recipient, because they are forced to internalize the learning intentions and success

criteria in the context of someone else’s work, which is less emotionally charged than

one’s own work.” (William, 2006, p.5).

As stated by William above peer assessment is a crucial part of the learning process that allows

for more in-depth learning. At the University of the People, peer learning and assessment is the

foundation for the unique learning experience offered. Peer assessment as a foundation allows

for students to develop critical thinking skills, further understand the concepts being presented,

and reflect on one's own work; all while collaborating with ideas and cultures from all over the

world.

While extremely beneficial, student-to-student feedback does present challenges. Dr. Melissa

Cain, professor at The University of Queensland, suggests that peer assessment methods may

increase students “awareness of their own deficiencies in subject areas”. In addition, she says

learners may also struggle to provide feedback due to “not being sure of their own objectivity…”

and “...a lack of confidence in their ability to provide effective feedback.” (Lombardi, 2021).

These points also lend to the challenge of students also believing that it is not their job to provide
feedback, but the instructors. On the receiving end of the peer to peer feedback, the student may

find the comments uncredited or having less value than that of a professor.

As a student at University of the People, peer assessment is a critical part of the learning

environment. While peer learning is one of the unique offerings that University of the People is

known for, it has also been an adjustment to both learn and provide feedback using this method.

In order to give beneficial feedback on both writing assignments and discussion forums, I will

focus on 3 main strategies. These include 1) providing specific, personalized, and constructive

evaluations; 2) preparing the feedback promptly to encourage a response from the recipient to

facilitate discussion, 3) and finally, offering solutions or recommendations to support my

feedback.

As a part of higher education, peer assessment proves to be an invaluable resource and learning

strategy. When used with proper technique and open minds, peer learning provides a foundation

for deeper learning while building strong relationships between peers.

Word count: 443

1. William, D. (July, 2006). Does assessment hinder learning? Paper presented at ETS

Invitational Seminar at the Institute of Civil Engineers, London, UK.

2. Lombardi, P. (2021, February 28). Book: Instructional methods strategies and

technologies to meet the needs of all learners (lombardi). Social Sci LibreTexts.

Retrieved February 22, 2023, from

https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Early_Childhood_Education/

Instructional_Methods_Strategies_and_Technologies_(Lombardi_2018)