Uptake Post #10

  In the past I have had many experiences with peer review, especially in high school. When I consider peer review I almost always think of essays because no other assignment or project in school ever really seems to require it. After writing essays (draft or full) two students would switch their essays, read the other person’s writing, and give constructive criticism in response. This process is done to get an outsider’s perspective, because it leads to being less biased and sometimes you can not always catch your own mistakes. I would describe a “helpful” peer review as two students who care about their writing giving each other genuinely helpful responses in order to better both of their essays. If one of them does not care or cares significantly less than the other one then it will most likely not be a helpful peer review process. After the process of the review itself the original writers must edit their drafts based on the feedback they have received, otherwise it will also not be a very helpful experience. The peer reviewer specifically should give pointers on grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and similar issues as well as possibly giving insight into the overall tone of the piece if the writer seems to be off for some reason. In response to getting this review, the original writers should read it, and edit their draft accordingly whether they need to use a different word to make it flow better or change some sort of spelling error. In the end the entire idea of peer review only works if the writer does take the criticism into mind and acts accordingly.