Book Review - Assessment & Learning

1. Introduction What if the way we assess students is actually hindering their learning? In Assessment & Learning, Ian Smith challenges educators to rethink traditional classroom evaluation and embrace a more dynamic, student-centered approach. This practical guide - part of the Teachers’ Pocketbooks series - distills decades of research and classroom experience into actionable strategies that prioritize learning over ranking. My overall impression is that this book is not just informative but transformative: it reframes assessment as a tool for growth rather than judgment. 2. Author & Context Ian Smith was a leading figure in Scottish education, with over 35 years of experience as a teacher, trainer, and educational consultant. He co-founded Learning Unlimited, an influential teacher development agency, and worked extensively with educators worldwide. His work was deeply informed by the groundbreaking research of Professors Paul Black and Dylan Wiliam, whose 1998 study Inside th…