How can you help learners get the most from every moment in the classroom? The answer, according to Cambridge University Press & Assessment, an Eaquals Associate Member, is to focus on providing evidence of progress and actionable feedback. That’s the message at the core of their newly launched Integrated Learning and Assessment (ILA) approach.

ILA is based on research that suggests a combination of formative and summative assessment is the key to improving learning outcomes. Cambridge have published a research paper on ILA, which offers compelling evidence of the benefits of the approach: more engaged, autonomous learners; better evidence of progress for students and parents; and better data for teachers to use in designing learning experiences for their students.

The research paper explains how educational leaders are central to the success of ILA, which relies on the alignment of curriculum, teaching and assessment. But of course teachers are also crucial: a separate ILA guide for teachers provides numerous evidence-informed strategies for success, with new advice on crafting learning objectives and success criteria, monitoring learning and giving feedback, and planning meaningful follow-up tasks for learners.

The framework underpinning ILA in the classroom includes four ‘pillars’ of effective practice:

• Setting clear learning objectives
• Collecting evidence of progress
• Delivering actionable feedback
• Providing tailored follow-up

These four pillars provide the context for both the research paper and the teachers’ guide, but they also show how ILA is grounded in concepts and practices that will be familiar to most teachers. For many classroom practitioners, implementing ILA will be a case of refining and joining up existing habits, rather than adopting completely new routines – a case of evolution, not revolution.

Learn more about ILA and download the research paper and guide below.