I am preparing to use a Peer Appraisal feedback form as a component of
the TBL activities for a class of undergraduate students in a human
studies course. The class is divided into five learning teams each with
six members.
The model I have introduced is based upon the work of
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine –
Academic Affairs - the Peer Evaluation Scale with 12 behavioural
descriptors. The form is initially set up to allow for the student
author's name to be removed prior to the return to each member of the
group.
The learning teams in the class have gently challenged this step,
suggesting that feedback should be direct and clear and within the
accountability of working within a team, there can be an opportunity to
discuss the feedback with the person providing the peer
appraisal.
There are risks to providing the name of the person completing the
feedback, most obvious being that students will shy away from lower
ratings for a peer, anticipating some negative feedback. However, there
is also a sense of validity to the issue of including the author's name
and am wondering if other users of a peer appraisal scale have experience
of including the names of the student completing the peer appraisal, and
any implications?
many thanks
peter c.