Reflection: Online Peer Assessment

This week I read the article by Lu and Law on the moodle site in regards to Online Peer Assessment. It identified how teachers often consider Peer Grading and Peer feedback to be the same thing. Before reading the article, I had a hard time identifying the main difference as well. By the end, I understood that peer grading and peer feedback are two forms of peer assessment and they both have different outcomes.

Peer Grading-

Studies have shown that this process is valid and is a reliable approach. It involves applying criteria to certain grades in the form of assessment rubrics.
Assessment rubrics focus on what is important in the assignment and enhances students understanding of the topic.
The process of peer grading on students have been minimally researched even though it is effectively wide-used in Universities.  It can be a time-consuming process but it can be beneficial because it encourages students to think critically.

Peer Feedback-

Through reports, researchers argue that peer feedback has a more positive effect on students learning compared to peer grading.  This is because it allows peers to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and give constructive feedback on how to improve their work.
Researchers argue that this process can be done through stages which make it time efficient and it is therefore less threatening to students.

Evaluation-
Overall, the peer grading process actually allows assessors to review their own performance on the class and the opportunity to improve their understanding of the rubric.  Peer feedback evaluates the work of others through positive comments which will significantly effect the quality of project learning outcomes.

My Pedagogy-

I personally can see the benefits of using both forms of peer assessment and would try to use them both in the classroom. The reason I say this is because I love the idea of how peer grading allows me to see where I can improve rubrics and the way I teach in the classroom. Peer grading does allow for more bullying and a less positive approach in the classroom so I would definitely limit how much I used it. 

At the start of this course I was very anti "Group work" because of past bad experiences I have had. Over the past few weeks though, I have noticed the benefits of using peer feedback. I have been blessed with an awesome group that has positively offered me suggestions and tips but also congratulating me on the hard work that I have put into my design process. 

So when I will be teaching students, peer feedback will be a vital tool for me and I will explain to my students how it will give them confidence in their work and how it can help with critiquing their future work.

Reference-

Lu, J., Law, N. (2011). Online peer assessment: effects of cognitive and affective feedback. Springer Science & Business Media B.V. Retrieved from 
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=c62a6531-8289-459a-b4ff-98ef53a082c0%40sessionmgr110&vid=1&hid=117