How Learning Works

APPENDIX H What Is Reader Response/Peer Review and How Can We Use It?

Reader response (often called peer review) is a process in which students read and comment on each others’ work as a way to improve their peers’ (and their own) writing. In order for students to be able to engage in this process effectively, the reviewers need a structure to guide their reading and feedback, the writers need reviews from several readers, and the writers need sufficient time to implement feedback and revise their work. Consequently, the instructor must plan assignment dates accordingly and create an instrument to direct the process.

Reader response/peer review offers advantages to readers, writers, and instructors alike. The advantage to the writer is that the ...