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.