~How do you feel about peer reviews? What have your experiences with them been like?
I approach peer review week with a mix of dread and anticipation. When the opportunity to review is approached properly, the review itself can become a very useful tool for the author. On the other hand, when approached improperly, the review can become nothing more than a source of hurt feelings. I feel it's very important to be cautious in wording things and to remember that there is a huge difference between constructive criticism and just plain criticism.
Last term in Comp I was my first experience with peer reviews since high school. Of the two peer reviews I received on my medical marijuana essay, one was kind and very helpful and the other was really quite rude and not helpful at all. The kind and helpful review told me which areas of my essay were strong and then pointed out the weaker areas and offered advice such as clarifying points, adding more information, rewording sentences, etc. The rude and not helpful review consisted of statements such as, "I don't agree with this." and "You could have done a better job with this." Now, while it's fine to disagree and to think something could be better, that doesn't help strengthen or improve the essay. From my point of view, the first review was constructive criticism while the second was just plain criticism.
"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."
~Proverbs 15:1 (New Living Translation Bible)
I agree with you a lot regarding peer review. I have experienced my share of rude feedback. I feel that if they didn't agree with what you wrote, why did they pick yours to read in the first place!?!
ReplyDeleteI have reviewed and commented on your paper. I hope you find my response to be helpful! Keep up the great work!! :)
~Misty Prestwood
Nice quote from Proverbs! I like it. Would that we could always remember this wisdom before we speak. Surely, when you write critique instead of speak it, you have a better chance to make it gentle. Despite any original emotional response you might have to someone's ideas, writing a response gives you the change to sit back and examine your original reaction and ask yourself, "how can I make this a positive experience for the writer?" No excuses! Of course, when you speak sometimes the words just come out before you think.
ReplyDelete