Peer review has a mixed reputation among teachers, and for good reason. Without structure, students trade papers, say that everything looks fine, and return to their seats having learned nothing. With the right guidance, however, it can improve drafts, build critical reading skills, and reduce the number of basic errors a teacher must address.

A Brighton Beach Memoirs essay is a good candidate for peer review because the play is familiar to every student in the class. Readers can judge whether a classmate's interpretation of Eugene or Kate is supported by the script. This shared knowledge makes feedback more meaningful than it would be on an unfamiliar topic.

The key is to give reviewers a limited, specific task. Asking students to evaluate everything at once leads to shallow comments, while focusing on one or two skills produces useful observations. Peer review works best as a targeted conversation between writers.

Give Reviewers a Focused Checklist

Provide a short list of questions tied to the rubric and require reviewers to answer them with evidence from the draft. For instance, a reviewer might highlight the thesis and write whether it takes a position about a character, or underline a quotation and note whether it is explained. These tasks require attention to the text rather than general impressions.

• Highlight the thesis and state in your own words what it argues
• Mark one quotation that is explained well and one that needs more explanation
• Identify a paragraph that drifts into plot summary
• Suggest one scene from the play that could strengthen the argument
• Write one sentence about what the essay does best

Model the Process Before Students Begin

Show students a sample draft and demonstrate how to complete the checklist aloud. Think aloud as you highlight the thesis and decide whether a quotation is explained, so students see the reasoning behind each comment. This brief modeling session dramatically improves the quality of peer feedback.

Pair students thoughtfully, matching readers who can offer one another complementary strengths. Avoid pairing friends who are likely to stay off task or students whose skills differ so widely that feedback becomes one-sided. A little planning increases the value of the session.

Hold Students Accountable for Using Feedback

After the review, ask each student to write a short note listing which comments they will act on and which they will set aside, with a reason for each. This step encourages critical thinking about feedback and prevents students from ignoring it. It also gives the teacher a quick view of how the process went.

Consider awarding a small portion of the essay grade for evidence of meaningful revision. This signals that the process matters without turning peers into graders. Students learn that writing improves through response and rethinking.

Combine Peer Review With Teacher and AI Feedback

Peer review works well alongside other feedback sources. Students can revise after peer comments, then submit their essays for teacher grading supported by AI-drafted rubric feedback. Each layer catches different issues, and the final essays are usually stronger.

Teachers should remember that peer feedback is not a substitute for expert evaluation. It supplements the teacher's comments and helps students practice reading critically. Together, these approaches build a feedback culture in the classroom.