What role does peer assessment play in fostering critical thinking skills?

Peer assessment plays a vital role in fostering critical thinking skills as it promotes reflection and evaluation of peer work. When students engage in peer assessment, they have the opportunity to analyze their peers' work critically, providing feedback that requires them to think deeply about the criteria for evaluation. This process encourages them to reflect on their own understanding and approach to the subject matter.

Through evaluating a peer’s work, students must consider not only what is presented but also the reasoning and evidence behind it. This leads to a deeper engagement with the content as they compare different approaches and reasoning. Critical thinking is enhanced as students learn to justify their assessments and articulate their thoughts clearly, ultimately strengthening their own understanding. Additionally, providing and receiving feedback creates a collaborative learning environment, where students can challenge each other's ideas and practices, further developing their critical thinking abilities.