Significance of Peer Assessment
Due to the growing focus on learner independence and autonomy, peer
assessment has received a lion’s share of attention in recent years. In a situation where
learners are able to assess their own quality and level of performance and those of their
peers, it is very likely that they will be capable of understanding the assessment criteria
(Patri, 2002). Brown (2004) said that both self and peer assessment give the merits of
involving students on their own destiny, encouraging autonomy, and increasing
motivation (p. 270). Cheng and Warren (2005) maintained that involvement in and
control over the methods, procedures, and outcomes of assessment as well as
understanding the underlying rationale are crucial for both teachers and students. Peer
assessment is one of the alternatives that has significant pedagogical value because it
enables learners to take part in the evaluation process and gives learners opportunities to
participate in and evaluate their peers’ learning process and products.
Purpose of the Study