Improving technical writing via web-based peer review of final reports

This paper describes the use of web-based software for peer evaluation of final environmental impact assessment documents written by senior environmental resources engineering students. The use of peer evaluation of documents was implemented in order to respond to the need to improve the technical writing skills of our graduates as part of our ABET 2000 outcomes assessment program. This paper discusses how students demonstrate their understanding of environmental impact assessment and their writing skills through the peer evaluation of their final documents. Students report that this activity assists them in the development of their writing skills. These evaluations are a student reflection activity and provide the instructor information for assessing the acquisition of course knowledge as well as the improvement of students' technical writing skills.

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