Self-, peer- and teacher-assessment of student essays

Abstract

This study focuses on comparing the results of self-, peerand teacher-assessment of student essays, as well as on exploring students' experiences of the self- and peer-assessment processes. Participants were 15 law students. The scoring matrix used in the study made assessment easy, according to both teachers and students alike. Self-assessment was sometimes considered difficult, because the students felt it impossible to be objective when considering their own work. In peer-assessment, the students found it difficult to be critical when assessing the essay of a peer. The students found it easier to assess technical aspects of the essays when compared to aspects related to content.