Practical tips for implementing peer editing tasks in the foreign language classroom

Abstract

Writing, regardless where it is found in today's curriculum, has become more interactive in nature; peer editing reflects this shift. Still, a number of foreign language instructors are at a loss as to where to begin such activities. This article presents ideas on how to design and carry out a peer editing task and demonstrates several methods that can fit most writing task situations. These methods can be used at all levels of second language writing development, to help students gain vital editing skills that not only will improve a peer's paper, but in time also increase their own confidence in writing, improve the content and conventions of their written work, and enhance their thinking skills.