Peer Editing

Study Skill 8.6 Peer Editing / Review

 Introduction

Peer editing is when a classmate changes, corrects or improves your work. A peer editor can help you recognize how your assignment can be developed or arranged better. A peer editor can answer simple questions such as those below to help improve an assignment:

1. What is one thing you really like about my assignment?
2. What part seems the most developed to you?
3. What suggestions do you have for improvements?
4. Where could I add details and more examples?

Alternatively, they could grade your assignment by awarding you points for each element of the criteria in the rubric.

 Watch

• https://bit.ly/2XwZLS3 Links to an external site. Peer Response Demonstration -  Texas A&M Writing Center (6:04 YT)

• https://bit.ly/370uhXv Links to an external site. Peer Writing Review - Otis College of Art and Design (4:30 YT)

 Key Ideas

• Peer editing can improve your ability to identify mistakes, develop and progress as a writer.
• TOP 10 TIPS FOR EDITORS AND EDITEES
  1. Be fair: Choose the most important points to focus on.
  2. Care: Your peer is editing your work for your benefit so, listen up.
  3. Check queries with your peer: There’s no need to involve the whole class.
  4. Be specific: Say exactly what could be changed.
  5. Be kind: Being mean will likely spoil your message.
  6. Use the right volume: In a one-to-one conversation, there’s no need to shout.
  7. Be understanding: your classmate may/may not take your suggestions.
  8. Stay focused: Getting distracted may mean the moment gets lost.
  9. Take your time: It isn’t a race.
  10. Be objective: It’s a comment on your work and not a criticism of you.

 Apply

• Swap assignments with a classmate and peer edit it. Use the question prompts and tips to find ways for your peer to develop and progress.
• How does peer editing make you feel? If it makes you feel uncomfortable, how could the process become easier?