Using Peer Assessment in conjunction with Project-Based Learning: A Comparative Study

Peer assessment is a valuable approach in education, which can increase students' engagement and foster critical thinking and reflection. In this paper we investigate the potential of peer assessment for project-based learning settings, by means of a comparative case study. More specifically, we analyze and compare the outcomes and experiences of the students in two similar scenarios: one course where the peer assessment activity is compulsory and one course where it is optional. A dedicated peer assessment platform, called LearnEval, is used in both cases, which supports the teacher in configuring and monitoring the process and the students in reviewing peers' work and visualizing their activity and personal scores. We provide a description of the project settings and compare the unfolding and results of the two studies; we analyze the involvement and reviewing skills of the students, as well as their subjective appraisal of the learning experience. Our study adds to the body of literature on peer assessment, while the lessons learned can prove useful for the practitioners in devising and refining their instructional scenarios.