The Peer-Response workshop outlines model strategies for students to offer generative criticism to each others’ works-in-progress, both one-on-one and in small groups.

Introduction

• First off, we'll explain who we are at the writing center and how we help people like you.

What is peer response?

• A two-way conversation between reader and writer during which feedback is given and received.  This is what we do at the writing center.
• We'll ask you to share any experiences you may have had in doing peer response.
• Next, we'll talk about the "ideal editor" -- what you as a writer want from a reader.
• After that, we'll ask you to think about the aspects of your writing that you would like to improve, and how to ask a reader to look out for specific problems.

MAPS

• MAPS described the context a piece of writing is created and received in.  This is helpful for both the reader and writer to think about during the peer-response process.
  • Mode
  • Audience
  • Purpose
  • Situation

Mock peer-response session

• Now, we'll ask someone to volunteer a draft of their assignment so we can go through the peer-response process:
  • Reader and writer talk through MAPS for the piece
  • Writer identifies key areas to focus on
  • Author reads the piece aloud
  • Reader gives feedback while the author is silent
  • Author reenters the conversation and both peers discuss the piece

Break up and final questions

• At the end of the workshop, we'll ask you to break into groups and do your own peer-response sessions.
• Then, we'll reconvene and talk about how they went.