About Peer Review

Canvas provides a system for students to review each other's assignments. It makes use of the same tools for detailed online annotation available through Speedgrader. Instructors can assign students by name to review each other's work, or have reviews randomly distributed with a single click. This randomization process can be set up ahead of time, so it happens automatically after all original assignments have been submitted. An instructor can tell which reviews have been completed from the Peer Review area of the assignment, and click to view them.

Use Cases

Evaluating others' texts based on the standards they should be using as well can help students deepen their knowledge of how to apply them. Instructors can compare work submitted for Peer Review with final versions submitted for grading, and get a fuller sense of how students respond to feedback. This might work in a number of settings, for example:

Students undertaking multi-step assignments such as extended research projects submit a draft for Peer Review. Reviewers comment on quality and use of sources, general structure, and strength or weakness of argument.
Students in writing classes regularly critique each other's work, commenting on grammar and syntax as well as rhetorical technique.
Students in Teacher Education classes can practice grading in an environment where instructors can easily review their work.

For further information, see these guides: