The Role of Peer Review and Writing in Developing Disciple Leaders

Date: Thursday Nov 5th, 12:00 to 1PM MDT

Location: Hybrid: BYU-Idaho (Room TBD) and Zoom
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Join Dr. Scott Johnson, Jared Bowden, and Shayne Sorenson from the BYU–Idaho Department of Chemistry for a faculty-focused Lunch & Learn on how they are using structured writing and peer review to help students become stronger communicators, more thoughtful learners, and better prepared disciple leaders. Sandwiches and beverages will be provided for in-person attendees. A virtual attendance option will also be available.
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Description

Join Dr. Scott Johnson, Jared Bowden, and Shayne Sorenson from the BYU–Idaho Department of Chemistry for a faculty-focused Lunch & Learn on how they are using structured writing and peer review to help students become stronger communicators, more thoughtful learners, and better-prepared disciple leaders.

‍Drawing from their own BYU–Idaho classrooms, Scott, Jared, and Shayne will share how they use Kritik360 to make peer review more intentional and meaningful. Rather than simply exchanging comments, students evaluate one another’s work using clear criteria, practice giving constructive feedback, reflect on different approaches, and strengthen their own thinking and communication.

The session will also explore how these faculty are adapting writing assignments for the age of generative AI. Using the VisibleAI Editor, they can establish clear expectations around AI use while gaining greater visibility into how student work develops—including revisions, writing activity, and student interactions with AI.

This is an opportunity to hear directly from BYU–Idaho colleagues about what is working in their courses, what they have learned from implementing peer review, and how they are approaching authentic student learning as AI becomes increasingly common.

During the session, Scott, Jared, and Shayne will share:

• How they structure peer review in BYU–Idaho Chemistry courses to improve student writing and communication.
• How students learn by evaluating the work of their peers—not just by completing their own assignments.
• Ways peer feedback can develop judgment, reflection, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• How they are preserving the value of writing assignments while allowing thoughtful and appropriate use of AI.
• How VisibleAI helps faculty communicate assignment-level AI expectations and better understand the process behind student work.
• Practical lessons they have learned from using Kritik with BYU–Idaho students.

Whether you teach in the sciences, humanities, business, education, or another discipline, the session will offer ideas that can be adapted to your own courses.

Come hear how fellow BYU–Idaho faculty are rethinking writing and peer learning and join the conversation about developing thoughtful communicators and disciple leaders in a changing educational landscape.

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