Evaluation of Peer Review Activities in a Post Graduate Institute

Introduction: As part of the two-year Masters programme in Paediatric Dentistry, postgraduate students (all overseas) are required to pass 10 exam essays. Experience of essay writing can be limited, therefore activities were devised to introduce peer review to improve essay writing skills, explore writing as learning, and ways in which to encourage reflection and learning

Objectives: (i) Perform 3 peer review activities with postgraduates

(ii) Reflect on above and evaluate success or failure!

Materials and methods: (1) Criteria for “good essay” were developed with colleagues and postgraduates. (2) Two essays then assessed using criteria (in pairs) followed by group discussion and 5 mins reflection. (3)Homework – same essay title, 1 week to do & show to paired student for feedback. Handed in essay with self-assessment form (SAF) for feedback

Results: Only one postgraduate had any experience of essay writing, and there was a lengthy discussion amongst postgraduates about criteria (UK perspective). Breakdown of how to answer a question particularly useful, whilst assessing past examples in pairs not so successful. Essay as homework, shown to peer for comment before handing in, was considered very beneficial, Feedback was individual and tailored to specific concerns as requested on SAF.

Conclusions: all found the explanation of essay criteria and what was expected very helpful. Individual feedback was well received and all recommended the class for new postgraduates. Now encourage peer review of essays and incorporate reflection (5 mins at end of seminar session).