They Behave For Me What is formative assessment, and why should anybody care? With professor Dylan Wiliam
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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.
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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.
Decide Before You Collect Data
- Treat assessments as procedures for drawing conclusions and decide how you'll use results before testing.
- Collect data only when it informs a clear decision about what you'll do next in class.