How I feel about peer reviews.

How I feel about peer reviews.

At first I was not too sure about peer reviews. I really did not want anyone to read my work, and even though I was curious about the papers the rest of my class mates were writing, I really did not want to give my opinion. I did not want to take the chance of hurting someone’s feelings. I just did not feel comfortable with the whole idea. In Comp I we had to give peer reviews and I really did not want to do it. I felt like I did not know enough to be able to give a good review. Then I realized, it was not how much I knew per se, it was whether or not the paper would make sense to me and be enjoyable to read. As far as somebody else reading my paper, I was really nervous, and did not know what to expect, but I decided it was time for me to get over myself and get with the program. I can now say I am glad I did. I have had a really good experience in both Comp I and Comp II with peer reviews. I am the type of person that can handle constructive criticism, and in both classes I believe that the feedback I have gotten has been very helpful. My only concern still is I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I certainly don’t know all there is to know about writing, and I still feel a little uncertain about giving a peer review, but I would also want someone to point out where I need work. It can only make it better. I only hope in the process what I have to say is not taken the wrong way.

For the most part I am becoming more amiable toward peer reviews, it is still not my most favorite thing, but I am getting used to it. It is something that we all need to get used to, because it is also used in the professional world for annual performance reviews. Times they are a changing, and like it or not I guess I have to change with the times.