Laura,
                I collect peer evaluations twice during a semester.  However, the interim peer evaluation, mid-way through the semester, does not count toward their grade.  Instead, it is an opportunity for feedback.  The attached PDF offers some insight into my overall system for evaluation.  I have found a combination of methods to be most helpful.  However, no matter the quantitative approach, I DEFINITELY recommend collecting and sharing qualitative feedback.  I believe doing so makes that peer evaluation process part of the students' learning rather than just a point of assessment.

Eric K. Kaufman
Assistant Professor in Leadership
Agricultural and Extension Education
Virginia Tech
266 Litton Reaves (0343)
Blacksburg VA 24061
Phone: 540-231-6258
Fax: 540-231-3824



From: Laura Madson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2010 2:57 PM
Subject: peer evaluation practices

Hello everyone -
I'm curious about the peer evaluation procedures you use. Would you take a few moments to respond to the following "straw poll?" In addition, please feel free to send any thoughts or comments about peer evaluations.

 1.  How many times do you collect peer evaluations during a term (e.g., once, twice, after each team activity)?
 2.  Do you use a numerical peer evaluations (e.g., assigning points or answering survey items on a 1-to-7 scale), open-ended comments, both, or something else?
 3.  Do you share peer evaluations with students?

In the spirit of sharing, I tell you my answers to the above questions. I teach undergraduates in large-enrollment sections (N=140) of Introduction to Psychology. In the past, I've collected peer evaluations at the end of the term using survey items rated on a 1-to-7 scale and I haven't shared peer evaluations with students (unless they asked about their final grade). This semester, I'm experimenting with collecting open-ended comments after each team activity and sharing those formative comments with students. Its too early in the semester to determine the effect of the new peer evaluation procedure but the change got me wondering about the variety of peer evaluation procedures used by other TBL folks.

Many thanks for your thoughts and time!
lm
Laura Madson, Associate Professor and Graduate Director
Department of Psychology
Box 30001/MSC 3452
Las Cruces, NM 88003
(575) 646-6207
--