Interest in and use of peer assessment has grown in recent years. Teachers are using it for a variety of reasons. It's an activity that can be designed so that it engages students, and if it's well designed, it can also be an approach that encourages students to look at their own work more critically. On the research front, some studies of peer assessment have shown that it promotes critical thinking skills and increases motivation to learn. In addition, peer assessments are a part of many professional positions, which means they're a skill that should be developed in college.