PEER COMMENTARY
Peer commentary is an extremely popular practise within academic environments; it’s purpose is to evaluate the papers quality and suitability for publication and to provide constructive feedback for the betterment of the composition (Understanding peer review 2023). This is an extremely necessary and valuable advance in the arrangement of academic dissertations, as it allows for the improvement of our skills and further reflection of our own papers to enhance and progress. Recently, I was required to have peer reviewed three project pitches of my peers and in doing so made improvement of my own work.
Foremost, the initial pitch I reviewed discussed sustainable business operation during the surge of online fashion and clothing traffic in our current climate, viewed here: ECSURFWEAR.
Following thereafter, was a project that explored sustainability in visual web design communications and its processes, available here: DESIGN FOR 0 .
Lastly, this pitch evaluated renewable energy sources in the fashion industry, shifting towards net zero: REBORN.
From this peer commenting process, I learnt how to assess and provide feedback to others, whilst still providing necessary constructive criticism correctly and positively. Additionally, I acquired skills to self-assess and improve my own creations; by being able to dissociate from my writing and look through the lens of the marker to review, appraise and audit from an academic, professional standpoint. Further to this, it allowed me to consider different ideas, ideologies and opinions when assessing the common task and improve my written communication skills as a reviser.
I consider good feedback to be, constructive and respectful, necessary, and positive, and also requiring you bring additional resources to the table. For example, provide further links to academic research or articles and opinion pieces to warrant different perspectives; which may help in furthering the exploration of a topic, to facilitate the enhancement of the written composition. Additionally, good feedback is specific and detailed so there is a lack of confusion to help the writer as much as possible. It is insightful and well supported, and most of all, actionable for the creator.
Through this feedback system I learnt several things about my own digital artefact project. The first being, my digital artefact is a part of something much bigger and could create or contribute towards genuine positive change outside of academia. I learnt my project is maybe not as developed or as clear as perhaps other students and will require refining before progressing to the process of actualisation. I was granted with an awareness that my digital artefact idea is a solid foundation for a larger undertaking and is conceivable when reflecting on its projected success. I concluded the skills I will need to apply personally, as this is a significantly large venture that will require commitment, focus and correct time management to achieve.
In conclusion, the peer review and peer commentary activity is extremely beneficial in fostering reflection, developing necessary communicative skills, and learning how to explore criteria and standards in specific contexts. Consequently, making it a significant aspect of our project progress to further enhance our final compositions.
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References:
Understanding peer review (2023) Author Services. Available at: https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/peer review/#:~:text=Peer%20review%20is%20the%20independent,source%20of%20feedback%20for%20you. (Accessed: March 27, 2023).
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Pitch 2: https://visionarytaza.wordpress.com/2023/03/16/design-for-0-pitch/
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Pitch 3: https://camelliabizimovski.wordpress.com/2023/03/14/reborn-pitch/