Embedded Formative Assessment Paperback – 1 Jan. 2011

This book was rather different than I expected. From the title I thought it would be another of those books giving tips, tricks and activities for your teaching toolkit. Those books have their place, but this one is much broader and more authoritative. Wiliam starts by taking a very broad view, evaluating the importance of a strong education system for countries. Having established this he looks at how education can be improved, at all times supporting his conclusions with research data. Along the way he casts doubt on the value of costly curriculum revision exercises and educational technology such as interactive whiteboards and dismisses educational fads such as so-called brain-based learning. If these don't help boost achievement much (or at all), then what does? He presents powerful evidence that the key to improving achievement is the quality of teaching. Through all of this he is homing in on what he believes is at the center of effective teaching - formative assessment. The latter part of the book details in both broad strokes and fine detail what this might look like. He explores sharing learning intentions, learning tasks that elicit evidence of learning, feedback (including the difficulties of providing feedback), collaborative learning, and learners as owners of their learning. These sections are where you will find the great ideas. My copy of this book has been extensively highlighted. I'll just give one quote to provide a flavor: "The secret of effective feedback is that saying what is wrong isn't enough; to be effective, feedback must provide a recipe for future action." For teachers, this book certainly provides the basis for action in implementing formative assessment.

There's a lot of opinionated rubbish out there so it was refreshing to read this. This book contains a mix of theory and practical ideas, perfect for teachers who want to improve their practice. I used a lot of it for INSET too. Wiliam's style is a readable one. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in AFL.

A good balance between research and practical adviceSome thought provoking findings however the book seems to have been written for an American audience.

This book does what it says on the cover, showing teachers how to make formative assessment a natural part of the teaching process, by embedding it into the way they teach. It is full of very practical strategies, much more so than any other publication by Black or Wiliam or both.The first chapter is a gem that makes the case that the best way of improving our education system is to improve the teaching of the current teachers in that system: the "love the one you're with" strategy. The rest of the book looks at practical ways to do the following* Clarifying, sharing, and understanding learning intentions and success criteria.* Eliciting evidence of learners' achievement* Providing feedback that moves learning forward* Activating students as instructional resources for one another* Activating students as owners of their own learning.This book is written by the world's expert on formative assessment, yet it is so practical, and when I've told teachers about the methods they are inspired and ready to try them. I write books myself on teaching methods and I'm not easily impressed, but you have to have this book. It will make a great difference to your students and to you.

not enough practical advice for me - too much analysis of research

If you only buy one book about T&L this year then this should be the one. Dylan Wiliam is a joy to listen to and a pleasure to read. This is a book full of practical advice about AfL. You will read this book from cover to cover and want to share its contents with you colleagues.

This is a must-have book for any educator. Even though it's based in Wiliam's previous schoolar papers, it's friendly reading and full of examples and strategies ready to use in class.One of the best in formative assessment.

Recommended for teachers of any stage, to any age. Contains fascinating research as well as practical ideas. Easy to read and will make you want to go out and try the ideas.