Model for Generating Peer Feedback

Peer feedback can be a powerful tool for revision, but to be effective it needs to be descriptive, positive, and forward looking.  Students need instruction and practice to generate responses their peers will be able to usefully incorporate in the next draft.  This is a straightforward generative writing method for creating this kind of feedback:

• Write a neutral 1-2 paragraph summary of the piece, identifying the main argument(s) and supporting evidence.
• Write 1-2 paragraphs identifying and describing what is most effective in the piece.
• Write 1-2 paragraphs identifying and describing what is less effective in the piece.
• Based on what you’ve identified as less effective, describe the 2-3 specific revisions, expansions, or other practical changes you can suggest that would most improve this draft.
• Use this material to craft 2-3 paragraphs of feedback that mainly describe your understanding of the work, call out what you see as effective and why, and offer specific actionable revisions for the next draft.  (Note that you will not directly address what you feel is less effective, only offer constructive ideas for revision.)

If your course allows for it, having students submit their generative writing and peer feedback together for assessment themselves is a powerful signal that you value this work and take it seriously.