Why? Because students hear it from a peer they relate to, not an authority figure. And giving feedback makes the giver a better learner — they have to think critically about what works and why.
But peer feedback only works if you teach students how to do it. Left to their own devices, they either sugar-coat ("It's good!") or tear down ("That's rubbish"). You have to build the culture.
Step 1: Model, model, model
Sit with two volunteers. Have them show you a piece of work. Give feedback out loud: "I like how you used specific examples. I'm confused by this sentence — can you explain it? I think this part could be stronger if you added more detail."
Notice: you said what's good, asked for clarification, made a specific suggestion. That's the template.
Step 2: Use sentence starters
• "I noticed you... because it shows..."
• "I'm confused about... Can you explain?"
• "This part is strong. This part could be stronger if..."
• "What if you tried...?"
Write them on the wall. Use them consistently. They scaffold the conversation.
Step 3: Start small
Don't have students give feedback on a massive project. Try it with a short paragraph first. Build the skill gradually.
Peer review pairs (10 min)
Two students swap work. They read silently, then talk: "What's working? What's one thing that could be stronger?" Writer listens without defending. Takes notes on feedback.
Feedback carousel (15 min)**
Six pieces of student work on walls around the room. Students circulate with sticky notes. They write feedback on each: one compliment, one question, one suggestion. Lots of eyes, lots of ideas.
Small group feedback (20 min)**
Four students read one person's work aloud. Each person shares one piece of feedback. Then the next person's work. Deeper conversations, more time for reflection.
Sentence starters, discussion cards, structure guides, and a feedback record sheet. Colour posters for walls. Free PDF.
