Developing an Operation Protocol on Peer Learning and Peer Assessment

Abstract

Peer learning and peer assessment are quite popular in higher education, especially in the Western countries. However, there is a lack of loacl studies on its mechanism and effectiveness. The purpose of this project is to develop a set of evaluation tool basing on Topping and Ehly's model of effective peer learning (which suggests five contributing factors, including the organizational or structural features of learning, the cognitive factors, the role of the helper, the communication skills and the affective component). This project consists of four phases: (1) preparing version 1 protocols and evaluation tool through literature review and practice experiences; (2) modifying version 1 protocols and tool into version 2 through trial run in a course; (3) applying and validating version 2 protocols and tool in courses of different sizes and teaching formats; and (4) disseminating version 3 protocols in a seminar, and finalizing version 4 according to participants' feedbacks. These deliverables, being user-friendly, can be easily adopted for use by other teachers. As it is a student-centered approach in learning, it will significantly strengthen our students' life long learning ability which is one of the characteristics of our ideal graduates.