Introduction

There are many confusing terms in the context of higher education. In the field of peer learning and assessment, for example, the word ‘peer’ may be found in combination with a variety of nouns: ‘peer assessment’; ‘peer feedback’; ‘peer tutoring’. We can also add to this list ‘peer teaching’ and ‘peer learning’. While all these practices involve some form of student interaction with their peers, and all are designed to aid the process of learning, the activities have distinct characteristics. In order to minimize confusion, I shall describe what I understand by each, starting with a discussion of who is a ‘peer’.