PeerWise as a Vehicle for Uncertainty-resolution to Enhance Student Learning

Authors

  • Amanda Sykes University of Glasgow
  • John Hamer University of Glasgow
  • Helen Purchase University of Glasgow

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14297/jpaap.v6i1.317

Keywords:

PeerWise, uncertainty, student learning, peer feedback, dialogue

Abstract

Previous studies of contributing student pedagogies (CSPs) have shown gains for students through increased summative grade and demonstration of deeper levels of learning. Resolution activities have been postulated by Draper (2009) as another way of enhancing students’ learning. In this paper, we show examples of learning occurring through resolution activities for students in higher education using PeerWise, a CSP tool, and we describe this as uncertainty-resolution that enhances learning. We then suggest a model through which this, and all learning in PeerWise, might take place. Finally, we anticipate that evidence of uncertainty-resolution will be seen in other PeerWise repositories; if this is so, we suggest that other educators using PeerWise should encourage and enhance their students’ learning by facilitating uncertainty-enhanced learning within PeerWise, and more broadly in other CSP activities.

Author Biographies

Amanda Sykes, University of Glasgow

Amanda Sykes is a Senior Academic and Digital Development Adviser in LEADS (Learning Enhancement and Academic Development Service) at the University of Glasgow. She gained her PhD in virology before moving to work in academic development.

John Hamer, University of Glasgow

John Hamer received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Auckland in 1990, where he served as Senior Lecturer until 2010. He currently works as a commercial software developer, and has an honorary affiliation with the University of Glasgow.

Helen Purchase, University of Glasgow

Helen Purchase is a Senior Lecturer in Computing Science at the University of Glasgow. She started her interest in e-learning with a PhD in Intelligent Tutoring Systems at Cambridge University, and, together with John Hamer, runs the Aropä online peer-review system.

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Published

2018-04-24