They Behave For Me What is formative assessment, and why should anybody care? With professor Dylan Wiliam
9 snips
Dec 12, 2025 
Joined by Dylan Wiliam, a prominent assessment researcher, the discussion dives into formative assessment's importance and challenges. Wiliam shares his journey from teacher to scholar and highlights the significance of effective feedback and evidence-based decision-making in classrooms. He outlines how misconceptions persist and the role of clear feedback in learning. The conversation addresses the complexities of implementing assessment strategies and the impact of international trends in education.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Assessment To Guide Teaching
- Formative assessment is assessment used to improve learning by informing what to teach next.
- Teaching should be contingent on evidence of student understanding rather than a fixed sequence.
SMILE Classroom Example
- Dylan Wiliam recounts using the SMILE programme where each pupil had individual work and tests.
- He only decided what to teach next after marking tests, an early example of formative practice.
Change Habits, Not Just Knowledge
- Change classroom habits deliberately; habit change, not knowledge, is the barrier to better formative practice.
- Use regular quick checks (e.g., mini whiteboards) to avoid teaching only to confident students.