Member-only story

Embedded Formative Assessment: Empowering Students with Dylan Wiliam

Isaac Mitchell

·7k Followers· Follow

Published in Embedded Formative Assessment Dylan Wiliam

4 min read

426 View Claps

57 Respond

Save

Listen

Defining Embedded Formative Assessment

Embedded formative assessment is a groundbreaking approach that integrates assessment into the ongoing learning process. Unlike traditional summative assessments that evaluate student learning at the end of a unit or course, embedded formative assessments occur frequently throughout instruction, providing teachers with real-time insights into student understanding.

Embedded Formative Assessment

by Dylan Wiliam

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2160 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	201 pages

Dylan Wiliam: The Pioneer of Embedded Formative Assessment

Dylan Wiliam, a renowned educational researcher and assessment expert, has been instrumental in popularizing the concept of embedded formative assessment. He emphasizes the crucial role of feedback in the learning process, arguing that effective feedback should be:

Clear and specific: Students should understand what they did well and what areas need improvement.
Actionable: Feedback should provide students with practical steps they can take to improve their learning.
Timely: Feedback should be provided as close to the learning experience as possible, while the information is still fresh in students' minds.

Benefits of Embedded Formative Assessment

Integrating embedded formative assessment into teaching practices offers numerous advantages:

1. Improved Student Engagement

When students actively participate in their own assessment, they become invested in their learning journey. They understand the purpose and value of their work, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation.

2. Enhanced Learning Progress

Regular feedback allows students and teachers to identify areas of strength and weakness. This information can then be used to adjust instruction and provide targeted support, ensuring that students progress at an optimal pace.

3. Reduced Test Anxiety

Embedded formative assessments reduce the weight and stress associated with traditional summative assessments. By breaking down assessment into smaller, manageable chunks, students feel less overwhelmed and more confident in their abilities.

4. Teacher Professional Development

Embedded formative assessment provides teachers with valuable insights into student thinking. By analyzing student responses, teachers can refine their teaching strategies and deliver more effective instruction.

Embedding Formative Assessment in Practice

Incorporating embedded formative assessment into classroom instruction requires careful planning and implementation. Here are some practical strategies:

1. Use Quick-Check Activities

Short, informal activities such as exit tickets, Kahoot! quizzes, or thumbs-up/thumbs-down checks can provide instant feedback on student understanding.

2. Provide Written Feedback

Written feedback, whether on student work or through online platforms, allows teachers to provide detailed and personalized comments.

3. Encourage Peer Assessment

Students can learn from each other by providing constructive feedback on their peers' work.

4. Use Technology

Digital tools such as online quizzes, interactive whiteboards, and learning management systems can facilitate the collection and analysis of formative data.

Embedded formative assessment is a powerful tool that can transform teaching and learning. By providing students with ongoing feedback and empowering them to become active participants in their own progress, this innovative approach unlocks student success and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. As Dylan Wiliam himself has stated, "The key to improving education is not a single grand reform, but a million small improvements." Embedded formative assessment is a step towards making those countless small improvements a reality.

Embedded Formative Assessment

by Dylan Wiliam

4.4 out of 5