Dylan Wiliam

Definition

Dylan Wiliam is a prominent educator and researcher known for his work on formative assessment and its impact on teaching and learning. He emphasizes the importance of using assessment as a tool for learning, rather than merely for grading, advocating that effective formative assessment can significantly enhance student achievement. His principles are widely recognized and have influenced educational practices globally, particularly in the realm of classroom assessment strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dylan Wiliam argues that formative assessment is critical in helping students take ownership of their learning by providing actionable feedback.
2. He identifies key strategies for effective formative assessment, including questioning techniques, peer-assessment, and self-assessment.
3. Wiliam's research shows that when teachers regularly implement formative assessments, it leads to a measurable increase in student performance.
4. He stresses that formative assessment should be a continuous process that involves students actively in their learning journey.
5. Wiliam promotes the idea that teachers must adapt their instructional methods based on the data collected through formative assessments to meet diverse student needs.

Review Questions

• How does Dylan Wiliam's approach to formative assessment differ from traditional assessment methods?
  • Dylan Wiliam's approach to formative assessment focuses on using assessments as tools for learning rather than just measures of student performance. Unlike traditional assessments that often serve the purpose of grading students at the end of a unit or course, formative assessments are ongoing and provide immediate feedback that helps guide instruction. This approach encourages a collaborative environment where students are involved in assessing their own understanding and progress, promoting a growth mindset.
• Discuss the key strategies proposed by Dylan Wiliam for implementing effective formative assessment in the classroom.
  • Dylan Wiliam proposes several key strategies for implementing effective formative assessment, including using open-ended questions to stimulate discussion and critical thinking, encouraging peer-assessment where students give each other feedback, and integrating self-assessment so students can reflect on their own learning. By employing these strategies, teachers can gather valuable insights into student understanding, which allows them to tailor their instruction more effectively and meet individual learner needs.
• Evaluate the impact of Dylan Wiliam's work on educational practices concerning formative assessment and student achievement.
  • Dylan Wiliam's work has significantly influenced educational practices by shifting the focus toward formative assessment as a vital component of teaching. His research highlights how effective use of formative assessments leads to improved student achievement by fostering an environment where students are more engaged in their learning process. By promoting strategies such as feedback loops and self-regulation, Wiliam’s findings have encouraged educators worldwide to rethink their assessment methods, ultimately driving better educational outcomes for diverse learners.

Related terms

Formative Assessment:

An ongoing assessment process aimed at understanding student learning and informing instructional practices to improve student outcomes.

Feedback:

Information provided to students about their performance that helps them understand their strengths and weaknesses and guides their future learning.

Assessment for Learning: An approach to assessment focused on using assessment information to inform teaching and improve student learning outcomes.