What is a key benefit of using peer feedback in the writing process?

The key benefit of using peer feedback in the writing process is that it helps students learn to critique their own work. When students engage in providing feedback to their peers, they are required to think critically about the writing elements they identify in others' work. This process enables them to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the writing, which they can then apply to their own pieces. Such reflection fosters a deeper understanding of what constitutes effective writing and encourages self-assessment skills. Ultimately, it empowers students to become more independent writers who can analyze their own writing processes and outcomes effectively.

In this context, while peer feedback may have other associated advantages, such as increasing the teacher's capacity to manage more papers or enhancing collaboration, these are secondary to the primary educational benefit derived from developing critical thinking skills through self-reflection and peer assessment.