In educational settings, peer review has long been used to foster collaboration and critical thinking. When combined with recursive feedback, its impact on learning is significantly amplified. Recursive feedback refers to a cyclical process where feedback is given, received, and acted upon through multiple iterations, encouraging students to reflect, revise, and refine their work continuously.

Unlike one-time feedback, recursive feedback promotes a culture of ongoing improvement. In peer review, this means students evaluate each other’s work, see how it evolves through revisions, and contribute to a deeper dialogue. This process supports metacognition, accountability, and long-term retention (Sadler, 2010).

Practical Implementation

In practice, recursive peer review can be implemented using platforms like Google Docs, Peergrade, or Canvas, which support multiple rounds of review and revision.

For example, in a writing assignment, students could:

Submit a first draft.

Receive peer feedback.

Revise the work.

Participate in a second peer review.

Submit a final version with a reflection on the feedback process.

This approach emphasizes that learning is an evolving process.

📘 Sadler, D. R. (2010). Beyond feedback: Developing student capability in complex appraisal. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 35(5), 535–550.
📘 Nicol, D., & Macfarlane‐Dick, D. (2006). Formative assessment and self‐regulated learning: A model and seven principles of good feedback practice. Studies in Higher Education, 31(2), 199–218.

📺 VIDEO REFERENCE: What is Peer Review? – Cambridge University Press ELT
This short video explains how peer feedback works and why it's valuable for developing academic writing and critical thinking skills.