Shirley Clarke author page

Shirley Clarke biography

Shirley Clarke is a UK education consultant, author and trainer specialising in formative assessment. A former primary teacher and advisory teacher, she has worked with schools across Britain and internationally and has been an Associate of the Institute of Education, University of London. Her professional development work focuses on embedding assessment for learning in everyday classroom practice.

Clarke’s books for practitioners set out practical strategies such as clarifying learning intentions and success criteria, developing pupil self and peer assessment, using effective questioning, and giving feedback that prompts improvement. Her titles include Unlocking Formative Assessment: Practical Strategies for Enhancing Pupils’ Learning in the Primary Classroom (2001), Formative Assessment in Action: Weaving the Elements Together (2005), Active Learning Through Formative Assessment (2008; revised edition 2014) and Outstanding Formative Assessment: Culture and Practice (2014).

Through training days, learning teams and demonstration lessons, Clarke supports teachers and school leaders to build classroom cultures where pupils understand goals, evaluate their own progress and act on feedback. Her approach draws on research while prioritising tools that can be adopted immediately in lessons.

Selected bibliography: Unlocking Formative Assessment (2001); Formative Assessment in Action (2005); Active Learning Through Formative Assessment (2008; rev. 2014); Outstanding Formative Assessment: Culture and Practice (2014).