How to improve the peer review method: Free-selection vs assigned-pair protocol evaluated in a computer networking course

Pantelis M. Papadopoulos*, Thomas D. Lagkas, Stavros N. Demetriadis

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)
45 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This study provides field research evidence on the efficiency of a "free-selection" peer review assignment protocol as compared to the typically implemented "assigned-pair" protocol. The study employed 54 sophomore students who were randomly assigned into three groups: Assigned-Pair (AP) (the teacher assigns student works for review to student pairs), Free-Selection (FS) (students are allowed to freely explore and select peer work for review).; No Review (NR) (control group). AP and FS student groups studied and reviewed peer work in the domain of Computer Networking, supported by a web-based environment designed to facilitate the two peer review protocols. Our results indicate that students following the Free Selection protocol demonstrate (a) better domain learning outcomes.; (b) better reviewer skills, compared to the AP condition. Overall, the study analyzes the benefits and shortcomings of the FS vs AP review assignment protocol, providing evidence that the FS condition can be multiply beneficial to students who engage in peer review activities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)182-195
Number of pages14
JournalComputers & education
Volume59
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Interactive learning environments
  • Multimedia/hypermedia systems
  • Pedagogical issues
  • Teaching/learning strategies

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