Critical reflection

In ES1102, peer and tutor review was carried out in class and through online platform like our blogs and Facebook. Throughout the module, we have to give feedback to peers’ writing like the reflection, reader response and problem solution essay blog assignments. I feel that this is an effective learning process with friendly classmates who are willing to take the effort to give constructive feedback as well as being receptive to feedback. Peer feedback also makes learning less stressful and creates an open environment for learning to occur because making mistakes is not an embarrassment but an opportunity for everyone to learn. Tutor feedbacks were also very detailed and encouraging.

During class, the tutor often prompts us to give feedback to our peers work. This process trains our critical thinking and the ability to give constructive feedback as well as compliments. I feel that this is lacking in other tutorials of other modules I attended. Very often, after presentations when the professor asks if anyone have and questions or feedback, I observe that most feedbacks are too critically and focus on pinpointing mistakes. As a result, the skills I would definitely transfer to other modules would be to give constructive feedback. 

The emphasis on peer and tutor feedback is what makes the module unique from other modules and more fun. It is very nice learn in an interactive environment when everyone is supportive. The feedback our Tutor gave after each draft is also very effective. In other modules, very often learning stops at the submission day. After receiving back the feedback of the essay, there is no need for further refinement and correction. Thus it is very common to have recurring mistakes in writing and not corrected. After this module, I would utilize the effectiveness of peer and tutor feedback and get my peers to help me read my drafts and go for consultation with professors. I would also take charge of my learning and not stop at the final submission because we are always one draft away from making out arguments more convincing. :) This would require a lot of discipline to start my work early and not do last minute work!

Lastly, the writing skills I learnt from this module is also very applicable to my writing in future. The biggest take away from peer and tutor feedback for me would be that contributing and seeking feedback is not that intimidating after all because it is not only helpful for my individual learning but also benefits everyone else!