Raising student achievement with Dylan Wiliam (Ep 24)
Mar 22, 2024
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Discussion with Dr. Dylan Wiliam focuses on improving math proficiency, knowledge-rich curriculum, and teacher effectiveness. Examples of using formative assessment for student learning provided. Practical wisdom for teachers, policy makers, and parents shared in the podcast.
Enhancing student achievement through a knowledge-rich curriculum is crucial for improving math proficiency globally.
Investing in teacher effectiveness is essential to elevate classroom practices and enhance student outcomes.
Utilizing formative assessment practices can engage students in their learning process and support effective teacher professional development.
Balancing formative and summative assessment methods is key to aligning learning goals and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Deep dives
Dr. Dylan William on Formative Assessment and Student Achievement
Dr. Dylan William, a renowned expert in formative assessment and math education, discusses strategies to enhance student achievement. He emphasizes the importance of a knowledge-rich curriculum and investing in teacher effectiveness. By focusing on evidence-based recommendations, teachers can support student learning effectively. Dr. William encourages a shift towards formative assessment practices to engage students in their own learning process and enhance teacher professional development.
PISA Scores and Math Proficiency Improvement
Dr. Dylan William delves into the significance of PISA scores and the necessity to enhance math proficiency for students globally. Addressing the gaps in math education is crucial to ensure students are well-equipped for societal participation. Understanding the importance of foundational numeracy skills, Dr. William stresses the need for a robust math curriculum and effective teaching methods to improve student outcomes.
Importance of Teacher Quality and Continuous Improvement
Dr. Dylan William highlights the pivotal role of teacher effectiveness in shaping student learning outcomes. By investing in teachers' professional growth and promoting ongoing development, districts can ensure a high level of classroom practice. Emphasizing evidence-based strategies and personalized professional learning, Dr. William advocates for a systematic approach to elevate teacher quality and enhance student achievement.
Balancing Formative and Summative Assessment
The podcast delves into the value of both formative and summative assessment in driving student learning. While formative assessment informs instructional decisions in real-time, summative assessment provides a broader picture of student performance. Dr. Dylan William underscores the importance of aligning assessment practices with learning goals and fostering a supportive learning environment through a balanced approach to assessment.
Enhancing Math Education through Connected Learning
Highlighting the key role of connected learning in math education, Dr. Dylan William stresses the significance of integrating mathematical concepts cohesively. Encouraging teachers to facilitate a holistic understanding of math by showcasing interconnections between topics like fractions, decimals, and percentages, he promotes a seamless approach to math instruction. Emphasizing conceptual understanding and real-world applications, Dr. William underscores the benefits of a coherent math education framework.
Promoting Teacher Autonomy and Professional Growth
Dr. Dylan William advocates for a teacher-driven approach to professional development, where educators have autonomy in selecting areas for improvement. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and self-directed growth, districts can empower teachers to enhance their instructional practices effectively. Emphasizing accountability, support, and evidence-based reflection, Dr. William encourages a collaborative approach to teacher professional development.
Optimizing Resources and Textbooks in Math Education
Addressing the importance of quality resources in math education, Dr. Dylan William underscores the role of textbooks in providing structured learning sequences and supporting teachers' instructional practices. Advocating for lean, focused textbooks that align with effective teaching strategies, he highlights the need for systematic resource development. By promoting coherent learning materials and emphasizing the role of textbooks in guiding instruction, educators can enhance math teaching and student learning outcomes.
In Episode 24, Anna Stokke interviews Dr. Dylan Wiliam, who is an education researcher renowned for his expertise on formative assessment. They begin by discussing PISA scores and the need to improve math proficiency. They then focus on Dylan's two primary recommendations for raising student achievement – a knowledge-rich curriculum and investing in enhancing teacher effectiveness.
They also discuss both formative and summative assessment. Dylan provides some concrete examples for how educators, whether in school or post-secondary settings, can effectively use formative assessment to support student learning. Along the way, they discuss math specialists in primary schools and things teachers can focus on to have the largest impact. This episode provides a wealth of practical wisdom for teachers, policy makers and parents.
The resource page for this episode includes books, studies and videos mentioned in the episode.
