This week is the first week of many more peer critiquing adventures on which we will embark throughout the semester. I have done this before, but I figured I needed to brush up on my skills, so I found this very helpful website. This site gives very detailed guidelines to peer critiquing. One of the first things I read on this site was one of the most helpful tips; it goes as follows:
Read the first paragraph and, without looking at the rest of the paper, write a description of what you think the rest of the paper will say. (Normally, the first paragraph should give a reader a pretty good idea about what is coming up.)
This is good advice because I think that if you cannot give a breif description of the paper, especially in journalism, the lead isn't strong enough. Most journalistic stories are written in inverted pyramid form, so the lead should be able to give that description.
More advice can be found on this link, prompting us to underline all sentences that appear as generalizations (not examples, quotes, or facts). This is also particularly important in journalism where our opinion is not needed.
This is another link to a peer critiquing guideline. The most important advice I found on this site was:
Intend to be constructive. Approach the piece with the intention of building it up, not tearing it apart, and as you would want a reviewer to critique your own work.
I think this is important because it allows us, as peer critiquers, to give constructive criticism without sounding negative. For example, I would not say, "Don't do this; it is wrong." Instead, I would say, "Doing this may be better or more accurate." That way the critique-ee isn't just looking at a bunch of negative remarcks. S/he is looking at ways to improve the paper.
Moreover, I think we also need to be open to giving our advice. I find that I am often afraid to offend someone by calling his/her work imperfect. I usually enjoy these opportunities of peer critiquing because I am able to perfect my story before turning it in. I don't know if someone else has the same reactions as me, though, so I tend to back off a little bit.
And finally, I found this article on eHow.com. Number 8 stood out to me, which stated this:
Explain why you made the comments you did. Say why you think certain things are effective and why others are not.
This is important because it may put things into perspective for the peer critique-ee. S/he will probably better understand the advice, instead of wondering if it is accurate or not. We're all learning here, so I would be more likely to take someone's advice seriously if s/he stated accurate reasons.
What do you think of the advice on peer critiquing in this post? Is it helpful? Do you have any other advice to offer?
My ethics blog: http://blogethics2004.blogspot.com/.
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Heidi-
ReplyDeleteThese hints are helpful. I am most definitely going to use them with my own paper today, and those I end up analyzing. Which event or issue to did you end up deciding upon?!I agree that were all learning here, so when were commenting on somebody else we should make valid points and suggestions. Otherwise were not really helping each other. I also believe taking pride in providing a good review may really help out the other person and their article. In addition, it helps to see what other people think and reflect that into your article. I know it is really difficult for me not to make generalizations or opinionated statements. That is my downfall!
I chose the Art Exhibition here at VCSU for my event; how I have to find an issue...that's going to be tough!
ReplyDeleteGreat information! And how timely for our class. I’ve critiqued in many classes as assigned but was never sure how to do it without offending. So instead of taking a risk, I often avoided negativity. It links you gave will definitely help me with the future critique assignments. Thanks! I too appreciate feedback (when you get to my age you’ve heard it from most aspects of your life – work, kids …) but understand that not everyone does. I like to put things in the positive and your information will assist me in accomplishing that.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
These articles contained some good information. I have always viewed peer critiquing as a necessary evil and something with a delicate balance. Trying to make people's writings better while still knowing your place is valuable. It's so important just to get another set of eyes to take a look at your work and see things from their perspective. I also liked explaining why you gave the comments you did. Some people see something and dismiss right away without considering why someone said it.
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ReplyDeleteHeidi,
ReplyDeleteYour blogs always seem to be about something helpful! Your topics usually related to what we’re studying that week in class and I have to say it really helps me out. In the past I have to say that I have never been afraid to give others criticism. I think this is because it drives me insane when I get papers back and the only comment is “Looks good.” How does that help me? One additional thing to be on the lookout for is grammar, spelling, and common punctuation mistakes. Some people aren’t good at proofreading and might not catch a common error.