Which of the following is not a characteristic of effective peer assessment?

The correct answer identifies a characteristic that undermines the effectiveness of peer assessment. Effective peer assessment relies heavily on the participants being accountable for their feedback and evaluations. When accountability is present, students take their roles seriously, leading to more meaningful feedback and reflections on their peers' work.

The other characteristics contribute positively to the peer assessment process. Encouragement of constructive feedback means that students learn not only to identify what can be improved but also to acknowledge strengths, fostering a more productive learning experience. This approach helps in developing a supportive learning environment where students feel safe to express their ideas and critiques.

Furthermore, the enhancement of critical thinking skills is a direct outcome of engaging in peer assessment, as students must analyze their peers' work critically, reflecting on both the content and the assessment criteria. This practice encourages deeper cognitive engagement, helping learners improve their evaluation and reasoning abilities.