Peer review has a reputation problem. Teachers know it can be valuable, but they also know how often it produces comments like "good job" and "add more details." For an essay on a demanding text like Hiroshima, that kind of feedback does not move anyone forward.

The problem is usually not the students. It is that they have not been given a clear task. When peer reviewers know exactly what to look for, their feedback becomes surprisingly useful.

Adding AI-generated comments to the mix can help further. Software can catch surface-level issues quickly, freeing peer reviewers to focus on ideas and argument. The two sources of feedback work well together.

Here is a structure that makes it work in a real classroom.

Give Reviewers Specific Jobs

Instead of asking students to review an essay in general, assign each reviewer a limited set of tasks. One might identify the thesis and rewrite it in their own words. Another might mark every quote and check whether it is explained.

• Highlight the thesis and state in one sentence what the essay is trying to prove.
• Mark each piece of evidence and note whether it is explained.
• Find one paragraph that mostly summarizes and suggest how to turn it into analysis.
• Identify the strongest sentence in the paper and say why it works.
• Write one question the essay leaves unanswered.

Use AI Comments as a Starting Point

Before peer review, run drafts through an AI feedback tool that applies your rubric. The comments can help students see patterns in their own writing, such as thin evidence or a vague thesis. They arrive at the peer session already aware of their main issues.

This also makes peer conversations richer. Instead of spending the whole time on obvious problems, reviewers can dig into questions of reasoning and voice. It raises the ceiling of what a peer session can accomplish.

Teach Students How to Give Feedback

Spend a few minutes modeling good peer comments before the session starts. Show a weak example next to a strong one and let students discuss the difference. Then have them practice on a sample paragraph.

Encourage a tone that is honest and constructive. Students should say what works, name one thing to improve, and offer a suggestion. This structure keeps the session productive and respectful.

Close the Loop With Revision

Peer review only matters if it leads to revision. Ask students to write a short note explaining which pieces of feedback they used and which they set aside, and why. That reflection builds judgment about how to use advice.

When you grade the final draft, you will often see clear improvement on the issues that were flagged. It is a strong sign that the process is working, and it reduces the number of basic problems you have to address yourself.