Being a part of the MSU Writing Center, all of us know the benefits of peer tutoring when helping student s with writing assignments. But did you know that peer tutoring extends past the Writing Center and into the classroom? The article “Improving Student Peer Feedback” by Linda Nilson discusses the ways that peer tutoring can be applied in a practical and pedagogical way. Peer tutoring has a practical application in the classroom because learning to give and receive peer criticism is a lifelong skill that translates into many different fields of work and study. Peer tutoring is also practical. Many teachers are severely outnumbered and peer tutoring can be a more time efficient way to give students immediate individual feedback. Some teachers have criticized peer feedback as “uncritical, superficial, unengaged and more focused on like and dislike than quality. In addition, the feedback tends to be more center3ed around spelling and lower order concerns while leaving out specifics. ” and one can see how feedback like this wouldn’t be helpful. However there is a remedy, PRACTICE. If students are never asked to attempt this type of pedagogical style how can they be expected to improve? Equally important, teachers should be present and participating during classes where peer feedback is used. Guidance form a teacher during such sessions will prevent the types of feedback that keep teachers from finding peer feedback relevant. Teacher participation in such activities keeps the students accountable for both their learning and the learning of their peers. I am particularly drawn to this argument for peer tutoring because it shows the student that they are in control of their education and they will get as much out of it as they put in. (accountability-another great life skill) Peer tutoring and feedback also help the students realize their audience is bigger than just the instructor. By becoming more sensitive to how and why one writes to specific audience students can build their communication skills.
Great post Jeni!
ReplyDeleteI agree that far too often instructors (at whatever level) underestimate the power of peer tutoring. Beyond the benefits this strategy has for content instruction and classroom management, peer tutoring can authentically develop critical thinking skills, accountability, feedback norms, and other social skills.