Centering Classroom Values in Peer Writing Workshops
This article details strategies for enhancing peer writing workshops in classrooms. The focus is on helping students develop skills in giving and receiving feedback, which are valuable beyond academic settings. Luther emphasizes the importance of teacher preparation, including choosing appropriate writing pieces and establishing classroom values centered on growth and generosity. He highlights pre-workshop reflections where students discuss and prioritize norms like generosity, curiosity, development, and perspective. The workshop setup involves using a feedback template and allowing students to specify their focus areas for feedback, promoting self-advocacy.
During the workshop, students engage in silent feedback sessions, reviewing peers' writings in a structured manner. This is followed by collaborative workshopping, where students listen to verbal feedback on their writing without immediately looking at the written comments. This process encourages active listening and receptivity to feedback. Luther advises outlining the process clearly, encouraging note-taking, and allowing groups to progress at their own pace. He concludes by reflecting on the significance of peer feedback in fostering a collaborative learning environment, expanding the potential of the classroom community, and equipping students with essential life skills.
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