The role of peer and tutor feedback.
When I thought about ES1102, I expected a standard General Paper (GP) lesson where the tutor is going to reteach the English language. This sound boring to me. However, this course was not an ordinary English lesson. There is a fun and interactive way of learning through group discussion, peer evaluation, writing many drafts where different people are evaluating and lastly one to one consultation with the tutor regarding on how to improve my essay. Because of the importance of feedback which allow one to become a better person by learning about what others think about him, peers and tutor should take initiative to give feedback to one another.
The thought of having a peer to review what I had written is very intimidating as I am afraid that I may make mistakes that are considered trivial. However, the peer review made me realised that I am not the only person who is making the same mistake. Many of us do in fact make such a mistake and we are not voicing out because we do not want to embarrasses ourselves. Since I know that I am not the only one who is making the same mistake, I am willing and able to express myself infront of the class to clarify my doubts regarding certain problems I face in this lesson. In addition, peer reviews encourage giving feedbacks to others. These feedbacks are important as they show me my areas of improvement and I am able to find both my strength and weakness. Reading other's post too make me feel like I understand them better personally.
The tutor feedback is also very important as the tutor serve as a role model to us. The tutor's feedback is very detailed and he focus on both our mistakes and good points. Through his feedback, I've learn many things such as how to do references and citation, how to make a good topic sentence and presentation skills. Such skills are important in both our university life and working life.
In conclusion, feedbacks are important. When in doubt, ask questions. When we find something is wrong, ask questions. Life is about questioning and understanding it from everyone's experience.
With that, I am glad I came into this class because of our tutor and the friendship that I've made. Thank you for the very fun first semester this course had created for me. :D
I believe that no mistake is trivial. There is always something to be learnt (like Yechan pointed out in class today)! I agree that the environment we have is very conducive for learning because all questions are welcomed. This might not be the case in our other modules, whereby we are 'expected' to know certain things perceived to be the 'basics'.
ReplyDeleteGood organisation in your reflection.
Hi Javier,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your posts since the beginning of the sem. What I feel is that, your posts are getting better and better. This is a postive feedback. keep it up! :)
Darren
Hi Javier!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I am one of those who do not like to voice out in fear of embarrassing myself. D: Haha! Nevertheless, I am also glad that through these feedback sessions I learn that it is okay to make mistakes. After all, nobody is perfect.
I also think that the flow in your post is clear and organised. Therefore, it is easy to read and understand your views.
Keep up the good work and all the best for your finals!
- Xuan -
Thank you very much, Javier, for this well organized critical reflection. You do a good job of reviewing the feedback component of our course and the way that both giving and receiving feedback has impacted your writing. I'm glad you found great benefit (and fun) in both the feedback process and the course. It's also a good sign when a student states that they are willing and happy to ask questions. Thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of questions, there are a few areas of this critique that I wonder about: Has this sort of editing experience carried over to your planning essays and writing/revising in other courses? Can you imagine that it would, or would not?
In this essay there are also a few minor language issues. As you review this, can you find your own mistakes? That's an ever-evolving process, of course. Whatever the case, I have clearly seen improvement in your writing over the term, Javier. I wish you all the best as you continue your learning journey!