Asynchronous online discussions have become a common practice in many educational settings. However, students’ engagement and interaction can be challenging in online learning environments. The lack of face-to-face communication, limited opportunities for peer feedback, and the absence of a teacher’s immediate feedback can lead to decreased engagement and interaction. To address these issues, educators are exploring structured peer review as a way to promote engagement and interaction among students in asynchronous online discussions. This article discusses the effects of structured peer review on students’ engagement and interaction in asynchronous online discussions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is Structured Peer Review?
Structured peer review is a process that involves students reviewing and providing feedback on each other’s work in a structured and guided manner. In the context of asynchronous online discussions, structured peer review involves students providing feedback on their peers’ contributions to the discussion forum. The process typically involves the following steps:
- The teacher sets the criteria for the review, which could include the quality of the post, the relevance to the topic, and the level of engagement with peers’ ideas.
- Students are assigned to review their peers’ posts based on the criteria provided by the teacher.
- Students provide feedback to their peers using a structured feedback form or rubric, which is designed to guide them in providing specific and constructive feedback.
- Students use the feedback provided by their peers to revise their posts and engage in further discussion.
The Benefits of Structured Peer Review
Structured peer review has been found to have several benefits in promoting engagement and interaction among students in asynchronous online discussions. Some of these benefits include:
Increased Engagement
Structured peer review can promote engagement by encouraging students to actively participate in the discussion. By reviewing and providing feedback on their peers’ work, students become more invested in the discussion and are more likely to contribute to the conversation. A study by Lin and Chen (2018) found that structured peer review increased students’ engagement in online discussions, as evidenced by the increased number of posts and responses.
Improved Interaction
Structured peer review can also improve interaction among students by promoting collaboration and constructive feedback. By reviewing and providing feedback on their peers’ work, students can learn from each other and develop a deeper understanding of the topic. A study by Lai et al. (2018) found that structured peer review improved students’ interaction in online discussions by promoting the exchange of ideas and the development of critical thinking skills.
Enhanced Learning
Structured peer review can enhance learning by promoting reflection and revision. By reviewing and revising their posts based on their peers’ feedback, students can develop a deeper understanding of the topic and improve their writing skills. A study by Chen and Lin (2018) found that structured peer review improved students’ learning outcomes in online discussions, as evidenced by their increased comprehension of the topic and improved writing skills.
Best Practices for Structured Peer Review
To ensure the effectiveness of structured peer review, educators should follow some best practices, including:
Establish Clear Criteria
Establish clear criteria for the review to guide students in providing specific and constructive feedback. The criteria should be aligned with the learning objectives and should focus on the quality of the post, the relevance to the topic, and the level of engagement with peers’ ideas.
Provide Structured Feedback Forms
Provide structured feedback forms or rubrics to guide students in providing specific and constructive feedback. The feedback form should include specific questions or prompts to guide students in providing feedback on different aspects of the post, such as the clarity of the ideas, the use of evidence, and the level of engagement with peers’ ideas.
Encourage Revision and Reflection
Encourage students to revise their posts based on their peers’ feedback and to reflect on the feedback received. By revising their posts and reflecting on the feedback received, students can improve their writing skills and develop a deeper understanding of the topic. Teachers can provide prompts or questions to guide students in their reflection process.
Monitor the Process
Monitor the structured peer review process to ensure that students are following the guidelines and providing constructive feedback. Teachers can also provide feedback on the feedback provided by the students to ensure that it is accurate and helpful.
Provide Feedback on the Feedback
Provide feedback on the feedback provided by the students to ensure that it is accurate and helpful. Teachers can provide feedback on the feedback form or rubric to guide students in providing specific and constructive feedback. This can also help students learn how to provide feedback effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, structured peer review can promote engagement and interaction among students in asynchronous online discussions. By providing feedback on their peers’ work, students become more invested in the discussion and are more likely to contribute to the conversation. Structured peer review can also improve interaction among students by promoting collaboration and constructive feedback. By reviewing and revising their posts based on their peers’ feedback, students can develop a deeper understanding of the topic and improve their writing skills. To ensure the effectiveness of structured peer review, educators should establish clear criteria, provide structured feedback forms, encourage revision and reflection, monitor the process, and provide feedback on the feedback.