Title: A study on the impact of online peer evaluation on learners' critical thinking

Authors: Xuejiao Huang

Addresses: School of Media, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, Shandong, China

Abstract: Critical thinking is one of the essential higher-order thinking skills for learners in higher education, and online peer assessment has been shown to effectively promote its development. However, the question of which mode of online peer assessment is most effective in fostering critical thinking remains unresolved. To address this gap, this study employed a quasi-experimental approach in the 'research methods in educational technology' course to examine the impact of different online peer assessment methods on learners' critical thinking. Results indicate that, compared to real-name assessment, anonymous assessment contributes more to the development of learners' critical thinking dispositions and skills. This improvement is specifically manifested in three implementation pathways: questioning and disagreeing, arguing and decision-making, and integrating and suggesting.

Keywords: online learning; peer assessment; critical thinking; anonymous evaluation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2026.152140

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2026 Vol.36 No.1/2, pp.244 - 261

Received: 23 Dec 2024
Accepted: 22 Jul 2025
Published online: 09 Mar 2026 *

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