Peer Feedback in Disciplinary Writing for Publication in English: The Case of ‘Rolli’, a German-L1 Novice Scholar

Authors

  • Thomas Armstrong English Department, University of St Gallen, Switzerland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18552/joaw.v5i1.151

Keywords:

peer feedback, disciplinary writing, Community of Practice,

Abstract

Achieving publication in Anglophone science journals is a goal of many multilingual scholars, and failure can have huge implications for individuals’ future careers and for the global dissemination of scientific knowledge. Despite the importance of the topic, there is still a lack of bottom-up research, which investigates the experience of writing for publication in English from the perspective of the novice scholar. This article presents the case of ‘Rolli’, a German-L1 novice scholar facing the challenge of writing his first article for publication as the lead author and writing it moreover in English. The study uses text history, interviews, and feedback comments to portray the socially-situated story of a novice multilingual writer on a trajectory to successful publication. The case shows how peer feedback was pivotal in achieving publication. Rolli’s ability to respond to this feedback was a key success factor in the writing for publication process. The case sheds light on the importance of peer feedback in disciplinary writing.

Author Biography

Thomas Armstrong, English Department, University of St Gallen, Switzerland

Dr Thomas Armstrong is a Course Coordinator and Lecturer in Business English and Academic Writing in the English Department of the University of St Gallen, Switzerland. Prior to working at the University of St Gallen, Dr Armstrong taught academic writing courses at the University of Zurich/ETH Language Center for more than 10 years.

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Published

2015-03-25

How to Cite

Armstrong, T. (2015). Peer Feedback in Disciplinary Writing for Publication in English: The Case of ‘Rolli’, a German-L1 Novice Scholar. Journal of Academic Writing, 5(1), 86–105. https://doi.org/10.18552/joaw.v5i1.151