So, I’m a self-identified control freak, so it took me a long time to release enough control over providing feedback for student writing to get on board with peer editing and revising. But I’m finally there. I’m a convert and I’m ready to recruit! Through the process of implementing peer editing in my classroom, I’ve learned that it isn’t just about correcting grammar and punctuation; it’s about empowering students to become better writers and collaborators. So, grab your red pens, and let’s take a look at peer editing together!
The Benefits of Peer Editing:
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to appreciate the many benefits of peer editing and revising. Not only does it provide students with valuable feedback on their writing, but it also fosters a sense of community and collaboration in the classroom. By engaging in peer editing, students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and revise their work with purpose—all essential skills…not to mention it makes their writing so much more enjoyable to read which is a huge plus when you’re looking down the barrel at a stack of 25 essays waiting to be graded.
Pitfalls to Avoid:
Back when the control-freak part of me with digging in my heels over peer editing and revising, it was some of the pesky pitfalls that kept me from trying it out. There are definitely some peer editing that can trip us up if we’re not careful, but knowing what they are will help you avoid them. One common mistake is rushing through the process without clear guidelines or expectations. It’s important to establish ground rules and set specific objectives for peer editing and revising sessions to ensure that students stay focused and productive.
like with any activity that involves students talking to each other and working together, peer editing requires clear boundaries, expectations, and systems to help students be successful. Additionally, be mindful of potential issues like peer pressure, reluctance to provide constructive criticism, or a lack of accountability. By addressing these pitfalls head-on, you can create a positive and supportive peer editing environment where students feel empowered to improve their writing rather than reluctant or fearful to share. Writing is often quite personal to the author and sharing it requires vulnerability and bravery; it deserves to be honored with respect and appreciation even when there is room for improvement.
Ideas for Introducing and Managing Peer Editing and Revising:
So, how can we introduce and manage peer editing effectively in our classrooms? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Peer Editing Partnerships: Pair students up based on their writing strengths and areas for improvement. Encourage them to exchange drafts and provide feedback using a structured peer editing checklist (see below).
Modeling and Practice: Before diving into peer editing, take the time to model the process with your students. Share examples of effective peer editing and guide students through practice sessions using sample writing pieces. One way to do that is through bite-size editing and revising task cards where students fix one sentence at a time.
Clear Expectations: Provide students with clear guidelines and expectations for peer editing, including the use of specific criteria and constructive feedback. Consider creating a peer editing checklist to help students stay focused and organized during the process.
Feedback Reflection: After peer editing sessions, encourage students to reflect on the feedback they received and make revisions based on their peers’ suggestions. This reflection process helps students internalize the feedback and take ownership of their writing.
Peer Editing Checklist:
To support your peer editing and revising endeavors, I’ve created a free peer editing checklist that you can use with your students. This checklist covers essential aspects of writing, including organization, clarity, grammar, and punctuation. Feel free to customize it to suit your specific needs or share it as-is with your students to guide their peer editing efforts.
To help my students keep their peer editing and revising skills in tip-top shape, I use these fix the sentence task cards on a regular basis.
Peer editing and revising is a valuable opportunity for students to grow as writers and communicators. If you still have reservations about implementing it, I’ll encourage you to give it try and enjoy the added benefit of taking one round of providing feedback off of your to-do list and giving your students more ownership in the writing process. Enjoy!