Graduate writers’ perceptions of teacher-student group conferences in an EAP writing course

Abstract

Teacher-student group conferences (TSGCs) integrate the advantages of peer response with those of individual writing conferences, allowing teachers to comment on learners' drafts while students apprentice into the peer reviewer role by observing the teacher's model. Although several scholars have advocated for TSGCs as a pedagogical practice, TSGCs have received little empirical attention. This study exemplifies how I used TSGCs as an intervention in my graduate-level EAP writing class. Using data from pre/post course surveys, post-TSGC feedback forms, post-course interviews, and final course evaluations, I report on students' perceptions of the TSGCs, including their perceived advantages and disadvantages. Overall, students appreciated the diverse perspectives TSGCs provided and the learning opportunities available when reviewing peers' drafts, receiving feedback, and listening to my comments. Although students' lack of disciplinary knowledge was occasionally problematic, they still saw the utility of TSGCs. Students also outlined strategies they developed for giving feedback if their peers' papers were difficult to understand. Disadvantages identified included difficulties from mixed proficiency levels, time and format limitations, disciplinary distance, quality of peer comments, and cultural differences. I conclude with suggestions for addressing these disadvantages, focusing specifically on important considerations when using TSGCs with graduate students from diverse backgrounds.