Exploring Students' Perceptions of Peer Assessment in a Scientific Writing Course

This phenomenological study investigates the lived experiences of 14 master's students enrolled in an English Education program at a public university in Yogyakarta. The study explores how these students engaged with and perceived the peer assessment process within a scientific writing course. Key areas of focus include students' emotional responses, cognitive engagement, perceived benefits and drawbacks, and the overall impact on their academic development. Data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Results show that peer assessment played a significant role in enhancing students' understanding of scientific writing conventions, fostering critical thinking, and promoting collaborative learning. Despite encountering challenges related to bias, objectivity, and content familiarity, students recognized the process as instrumental in improving their writing skills and academic confidence. The study concludes with pedagogical implications for effectively integrating peer assessment in writing instruction and offers practical recommendations for future implementation.