Introduction. Communicative and Peer Review Practices: Cultivating Confidence in Writing
Kathryn Jurns
Abstract
The introduction to Cultivating Confidence in L2 Writing sets the stage by re-examining one of the most familiar—and often misunderstood—practices in writing classrooms: peer review. While research has long established its effectiveness, teachers frequently lack access to fresh, engaging ways to implement it, leading to routine, checklist-driven activities that limit interaction and critical thinking. The author argues for a shift toward more communicative, student-centered approaches, highlighting the importance of training learners to give meaningful feedback and creating opportunities for dialogue about writing. It also introduces the three key themes that shape the volume: innovative peer review practices, communicative writing activities, and the thoughtful integration of technology. These themes offer a clear roadmap for how the chapters that follow aim to transform writing classrooms into more interactive, dynamic, and confidence-building spaces.
About the Contributor
Kathryn Jurns is a lecturer at Rikkyo University in Japan. She received her MEd in TESOL from University of Cincinnati in the US. Kathryn’s research interests include second-language academic writing, peer-review, and curriculum and materials development.
Citation
Jurns, K. (2026). Introduction. Communicative and peer review practices: Cultivating confidence in writing. In A. E. Dawes & K. Jurns (Eds.), Cultivating confidence in L2 writing: Communicative and peer review practices. Candlin & Mynard. https://doi.org/10.47908/44/i
The introduction to Cultivating Confidence in L2 Writing sets the stage by re-examining one of the most familiar—and often misunderstood—practices in writing classrooms: peer review. While research has long established its effectiveness, teachers frequently lack access to fresh, engaging ways to implement it, leading to routine, checklist-driven activities that limit interaction and critical thinking. The author argues for a shift toward more communicative, student-centered approaches, highlighting the importance of training learners to give meaningful feedback and creating opportunities for dialogue about writing. It also introduces the three key themes that shape the volume: innovative peer review practices, communicative writing activities, and the thoughtful integration of technology. These themes offer a clear roadmap for how the chapters that follow aim to transform writing classrooms into more interactive, dynamic, and confidence-building spaces.
About the Contributor
Kathryn Jurns is a lecturer at Rikkyo University in Japan. She received her MEd in TESOL from University of Cincinnati in the US. Kathryn’s research interests include second-language academic writing, peer-review, and curriculum and materials development.
Citation
Jurns, K. (2026). Introduction. Communicative and peer review practices: Cultivating confidence in writing. In A. E. Dawes & K. Jurns (Eds.), Cultivating confidence in L2 writing: Communicative and peer review practices. Candlin & Mynard. https://doi.org/10.47908/44/i
Information About the Book
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Title: Cultivating Confidence in L2 Writing: Communicative and Peer Review Practices
Editors: Edited by Ashton E. Dawes and Kathryn Jurns Publication date: May 2026 Read more... |