Peer review means that students evaluate the work of their peers, usually based on criteria provided by the teacher. Students first submit their own work and then review the work of one or more classmates. It is recommended to use a rubric in peer review assignments.

Reflection
Peer review encourages students to reflect on a classmate’s work using guidelines provided by the teacher, for example in a rubric. It also helps them understand how their own work may be viewed by others. Peer review is generally intended as part of the learning process rather than as part of formal assessment or the final grade.

Deeper understanding
Peer review can deepen students’ understanding of the assignment criteria. They are exposed to different perspectives and interpretations and can use this to improve their own work.

Improving the assignment
The main purpose of peer review is for students to help one another improve, rather than for their reviews to count toward a grade. Students are expected to give comments that support their peers and help them strengthen their work. Peer review can therefore be a valuable step before the final submission that is assessed by the teacher.

It is important that the teacher explains clearly what the peer review involves, what students are expected to evaluate, and how they should do it. Students should also be given clear criteria to use in their review, for example through a rubric.

It is also helpful to give students guidance on respectful communication. They should be encouraged to be polite, constructive, and specific, for example by first pointing out what works well before suggesting what could be improved or made clearer.

It is useful to explain the difference between feedback and grading. Grading is used to judge work on a scale, such as 0–10, and usually contributes to the final grade. Feedback, by contrast, is intended to help students improve their work.