Peer Editing
"Peer Editing is working with someone your own age- usually someone in your class- to help improve, revise, and edit his or her writing."
After reading Paige Ellis' Blog Assignment #12, I was a little discouraged to write this post without putting a lot of thought into it. Peer editing has always been a weakness of mine because I concentrate too much on the writer's feelings rather than helping them, especially if I have to see them everyday in class. However, after watching the video's suggested by Paige, I now know more on how to effectively critique my peer's writings. The first rule of effective peer editing is to always STAY POSITVE! You can get your point across without being negative and in a way that is not overly protecting their feelings. You should always start your editing with a compliment. Tell the writer you like their main idea, you liked the way they said this..., you enjoyed reading because..., anything that states what the writer did well. Next, offer suggestions as to how they can improve their writing. For example, the writer's word choice or their organization of the paper. Remember to make specific suggestions and to stay positive about it; its a suggestion not a demand. The last step in effective peer editing is to make corrections on the writer's punctuation, grammar, spelling, sentence structure, etc. Paige Ellis's blog helped me to learn that in order to really master this quality, I must stay positive and complete all three steps.
How does all of this come into play with my teaching career? Well since I am going to be correcting students' work for a living, I need to realize that practice makes perfect. I can not honestly answer if I will critique my fellow EDMer's publicly or privately until I have come across a situation that I am forced to make that decision. For example, I can see myself offering compliments and suggestions in a comment, but maybe leaving them an email if they have obvious and numerous grammar and organization errors. I think peer editing is much harder for me than correcting a child because I am the type that worries about what other people's opinions of me are and with children, I know I have a way of talking to them and getting through in an appropriate way. The main thing I am taking from this assignment is to practice every peer editing assignment following the three rules. As with everything, practice makes perfect.
Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes
In the video, Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes a group of students explained the top 10 mistakes when it comes to peer editing. Although, this was cute and humorous, students can learn a lot from this video. I'am glad Dr. Strange assigned us this video, because it's a good resource for when I am teaching peer editing. One thing I need to keep reminding myself is that I am helping my peer when I give them feedback.
Hi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your blog posts. You did a wonderful job this week on recapping what Peer Editing is all about and pointing out that peer editing does not have to be something negative. I have also struggled with not wanting to critique peers because I do not want them upset or annoyed with me. What I have had to realize is that when peer editing, you are actually helping your peer more than anything. You are helping them so they do not make future mistakes. The keys are staying positive and and being specific.
Working with students who have special needs is much easier than you realize. I have worked with and tutored a number of them and many times they have a heart to listen and learn because they have a strong desire to succeed. Becoming familiar with the techniques and equipment they use will also better prepare you as a teacher to teach a wide range of students. I really like how open you are to making accommodations and spending time learning what ways to better help your students.
You are going to make a wonderful teacher.
"... I concentrate too much on the writer's feelings rather than helping them,..." Why do you think this is? It certainly does not apply to coaches, art teachers, music teachers, computers, architects. Why do a lot of educators feel this way?
ReplyDeleteAnd where are your comments on Vicki Davis?
Thank you Lindsey! I think commenting on our classmates blog's this semester will give me the practice I need. Working with the students with special needs in honestly my biggest fear, I need to get experience working with them and understanding each child's individual needs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words! :)
Dr. Strange,
ReplyDeleteI'am not sure how I missed those comments. Won't happen again!