I have very much enjoyed being a writing coach. Although we haven't been able to meet them in person, I think there is an importance in having unbiased feedback by people that truly care about writing. Of course for many of us, we will be grading and reviewing many pieces of writing, so it is a great experience to get us prepared to become ELA teachers!
I think the support that is truly necessary is simply teachers who focus on the good with the bad. Although these students may not have done well when looking at the writing from an academic standpoint, teachers should be able to see the good that the student is using. Finding their voice and what the student is trying to express can help a teacher see the writing more clearly. Having students review each other's writings can help them understand what the reader is experiencing when reading their piece. This is also can help get extra feedback from not just the teacher, but people that may have a similar midset as them. Like stated before, writing coaches can be a great way to get unbiased feedback for their writing. Having those small comments from each group of people can enhance their writing and help them become more successful in the long run. Every group of people should be able to see the writing in an unbiased and understanding way. Knowing that the student tried on their writing and are trying to find their voice can help these groups see the writing more clearly. Here we can see how peer reviewing should be brought into the writing process for students:
In the reading Giving and Receiving Feedback, it stated, "Find the right person based on their knowledge, not their rank" (Segal 95). This quote shows the importance in finding people with different perspectives and ideas when it comes to editing and reviewing writing. Although peers may not be the most advanced place to find that, they may be able to bring in a different mindset than teachers or writing coaches. Everyone who is asked to review has a different idea of what a piece of writing should look like, and it can make the writing that much better for the student, not just grade wise, but content as well.
What do you think? Is it important to have different people review writing, or is a teacher enough?
I love your point about balancing the good with the bad. That's honestly what makes feedback actually useful, instead of discouraging. When students feel like their voice is seen and valued, they're way more likely to keep developing as writers. I also think your emphasis on unbiased feedback is important, especially since teachers can sometimes (unintentionally) focus more on grading, than growth.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that having multiple reviewers matters. A teacher brings expertise, but peers and writing coaches add fresh perspectives and can reflect how real readers experience the piece. I don't believe that one perspective alone is enough. The combination from different people is what really helps writers improve and find their voice.
I like how you emphasize the importance of recognizing what students are doing well, not just what needs improvement. Focusing on a student’s voice and intent makes feedback feel more human and encouraging, which can go a long way in helping them stay engaged in the writing process. Your point about writing coaches offering more neutral, supportive feedback also stands out, since they aren’t grading, students may be more open to taking risks and revising their work.
ReplyDeleteTo your question, I don’t think one perspective is ever enough. Teachers bring structure and expectations, but peers and writing coaches add different viewpoints that can help students better understand how their writing is received. Even if peers aren’t experts, they’re still real readers, and that feedback matters. Having multiple people respond to a piece of writing helps students see their work more clearly and ultimately strengthens both their ideas and their revisions.
Excellent connection to the readings with the Segal quote -- "Find the right person based on their knowledge, not their rank" This speaks highly to the importance of peer feedback over teacher only feedback.
ReplyDeleteHi Brianna! I really liked your thought process on this topic, because you put such a positive spin on it when I kinda had a less positive view on it! I also liked your insights on peers inputting a different viewpoint on the writing process because inherently they're in a different position, which I think has become more of an important idea for me to grasp over the years. I now recognize the IMMENSE value in peer reviewing that I initially thought was, frankly, stupid and useless. Thank you for sharing and offering your insights, you definitely put me in a better headspace about it!
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