How does peer feedback contribute to student learning?

Peer feedback plays a significant role in enhancing student learning by providing diverse perspectives and encouraging critical thinking. When students engage in giving and receiving feedback from their peers, they are exposed to different viewpoints and approaches to problem-solving, which can broaden their understanding of the subject matter. This exchange promotes a dialogue that challenges their original ideas and encourages them to think more deeply about the content. Additionally, discussing their work with peers requires students to articulate their thoughts clearly and critically evaluate both their own and others' contributions.

This process not only strengthens their understanding of the material but also cultivates an environment of mutual support and learning. The diversity of feedback helps students recognize that there are multiple valid viewpoints, fostering an appreciation for complexity in learning situations. Such critical engagement is essential for developing higher-order thinking skills, which are vital for academic success and lifelong learning.