Abstract:

Peer-assessment is an active form of socially mediated learning that can enhance student metacognitive abilities. Previous literature reviews have confirmed the value of peer-assessment in education (Falchikov & Goldfinch, 2000; Panadero et al., 2017; Tenório et al., 2016; Topping, 1998; Topping, 2017), however, a comprehensive review of the literature for peer-assessment in online higher education environments has yet to be conducted. The purpose of the paper, then, was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on peer assessment in higher education online classes. Using the PRISMA framework (Liberati et al., 2009), we reviewed 28 peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2021. Four themes emerged including the implications of online peer-assessment on student behaviour, attitude, engagement and learning outcomes. Findings from this review indicate that peer-assessment can impact student behaviours based on competition, motivation, and student perceptions of support. Student attitudes reflected perceptions of fairness, temporality, and quality, while learning outcomes were often neutral or positively impacted with the integration of peer-assessment. Student engagement appears to be enhanced with online peer-assessment, but the effect depends on implementation strategies and assessment type. Suggestions for educators and future research are provided.

References:
[1] Falchikov, N., & Goldfinch, J. (2000). Student peer assessment in higher education: A meta-analysis comparing peer and teacher marks. Review of Educational Research, 70(3), 287-322. https://doi.org/10.3102%2F00346543070003287
[2] Liberati, A., Altman, D. G., Tetzlaff, J., Mulrow, C., Gøtzsche, P. C., Ioannidis, J. P. A., … Moher, D. (2009). The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions: Explanation and elaboration. PLOS Medicine, 6(7), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000100
[3] Panadero, E., Jonsson, A., & Botella, J. (2017). Effects of self-assessment on self-regulated learning and self-efficacy: Four meta-analyses. Educational Research Review, 22, 74-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2017.08.004
[4] Tenório, T., Bittencourt, I. I., Isotani, S., & Silva, A. P. (2016). Does peer assessment in on-line learning environments work? A systematic review of the literature. Computers in Human Behavior, 64, 94-107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.06.020
[5] Topping, K. (1998). Peer assessment between students in colleges and universities. Review of Educational Research, 68(3), 249-276. https://doi.org/10.3102%2F00346543068003249
[6] Topping, K. (2017). Peer assessment: Learning by judging and discussing the work of other learners. Interdisciplinary Education and Psychology, 1(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.31532/InterdiscipEducPsychol.1.1.007

Keywords:

Peer-assessment, assessment, higher education, online learning, e-learning, e-learning, review.