Giving comments on other students’ work may seem daunting. Your job is not to assess others’ work, but to reflect on how it can be improved. The point of this exercise is to help contribute to a satisfactory assignment that will pass.

For a given assignment, you should consider:

the general tips provided below
the sample solution discussed in class
the assessment rubric.

The big picture

Your feedback should be based on what you already know without requiring you to conduct new analysis and review the source material. Instead, draw on your own experiences with your assignment. Reflect on what you have chosen to do in your group, and how this might differ from what your peers have done in their assignment. Use your feedback to pose questions and, if relevant, suggest alternative approaches.

General tips

In giving feedback, it helps to think about how you would like to receive feedback in order to improve your own work.

Balance positives and improvements. Mention what works well as well as what could be clearer or stronger.
Focus on the work, not the person. Say ‘This argument could be clearer if…’ rather than ‘You are unclear’.
Ask questions. If something is confusing, write a question instead of just saying it’s wrong.
Keep it short and clear. A few focused points are more useful than a long list.
Be respectful and constructive. Phrase suggestions in a way that helps the recipient improve.