By watching the videos on peer reviewing, I learned what steps to take when reviewing someone's work. The first thing I learned was that you should always start off by complimenting someone's work rather than disrespecting it. This makes sense considering the peer you are reviewing may be a "Defensive Dave". Always start by telling them what they did right rather than pointing out mistakes and degrading their work. Secondly, make suggestions to your peer about what changes you think should be made within their writings. And thirdly, make corrections. Collaborate with your peer and make the necessary changes to his or her writing in order to make it a satisfactory document.
I also learned a little about what kind of attitude to have towards the peer of whom's writing I am reviewing. The last thing you want is to be a "Mean Margaret" or a "Social Sammy". In order to properly review a peers writing, one must be considerate, and specific. One cannot merely say "your writings do not make sense" or "you have a lot of grammar mistakes". It is important to keep in mind that if you insult your peer, it will not only make them upset, but you allow for the chance for him or her to loose interest in the task at hand all together. It is also to be clear of what mistakes you have found and where the mistakes are in order for your peer to correct them and to make sense of what he or she has written.
Hey Marcus! I completely agree with your post. I have found that one of the most important parts of peer editing is to be kind with your criticism. Strictly making negative comments and not pointing out the good aspects of the paper will simply discourage your peer, which is not what you want to do. Peer editing is a tool used to help one another. Although you obviously have to point out what is wrong with the paper, you need to make compliments as well.
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Be sure to include working links in every blog post.
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