Which method provides the most immediate feedback on student writing?

Peer editing of the draft essay is the method that provides the most immediate feedback on student writing. This process involves students reviewing each other's work, which allows them to engage directly with their peers' drafts. As they read and offer suggestions or corrections, they are likely to identify strengths and weaknesses in writing right away. This immediate interaction fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights, helping writers refine their drafts before they submit a final version. Additionally, peer feedback can motivate students, as they may feel more connected to their peers' perspectives than to traditional teacher feedback.

In contrast, self-assessment tends to offer more reflective feedback that doesn't happen in real-time; students evaluate their own work, which can be useful but delays the challenge of direct interaction. Teacher's comments on final drafts occur after the writing is complete, thus lacking the opportunity for students to apply that feedback immediately to improve their work. Group discussions about writing can provide valuable insights but are often more general and do not target individual pieces of writing directly, making them less immediate than peer editing.