Backwards design

Definition

Backwards design is an educational planning approach that starts with identifying desired learning outcomes before determining the instructional methods and assessment strategies. This method emphasizes the importance of aligning assessments with the intended learning goals, ensuring that teaching practices effectively lead students toward those outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Backwards design was popularized by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe in their book 'Understanding by Design,' emphasizing its focus on clarity and purpose in education.
2. This approach encourages educators to first consider what they want students to understand and be able to do by the end of a lesson or unit.
3. In backwards design, assessment is developed simultaneously with lesson planning to ensure that evaluation methods are directly tied to the desired learning outcomes.
4. It promotes a more student-centered approach, as it allows teachers to create experiences that genuinely foster student engagement and understanding.
5. Backwards design can lead to more effective curriculum development by making learning goals explicit and helping educators stay focused on essential content and skills.

Review Questions

• How does backwards design influence the way educators develop their assessments?
  • Backwards design influences assessment development by requiring educators to define clear learning outcomes before creating evaluations. This ensures that assessments directly measure what students are expected to learn, leading to a more focused and relevant evaluation process. By working backwards from desired results, teachers can create assessments that truly reflect students' understanding and mastery of the content.
• What are the benefits of using backwards design in curriculum planning compared to traditional methods?
  • Using backwards design in curriculum planning offers several benefits over traditional methods. First, it aligns teaching and assessment with clear learning goals, ensuring consistency throughout the educational process. Second, it allows educators to create more engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students by focusing on understanding rather than just memorization. Lastly, it promotes ongoing reflection and adjustment in instructional practices based on student performance data.
• Evaluate the impact of backwards design on student engagement and success in learning environments.
  • The impact of backwards design on student engagement and success is significant, as it fosters a more purposeful approach to teaching. By starting with clear learning goals, educators can create lessons that are not only relevant but also challenge students to think critically. This method often leads to greater motivation among students since they see the connection between what they are learning and the assessments that follow. Ultimately, when students understand the objectives and see their progress toward achieving them, they are more likely to be engaged and successful in their educational journey.

Related terms

Learning Outcomes: Specific statements that clearly articulate what students are expected to learn and demonstrate as a result of instruction.

Assessment Alignment: The process of ensuring that assessments accurately measure the learning outcomes they are intended to evaluate, creating a coherent educational experience.

Curriculum Mapping: A visual representation of the curriculum that outlines how various elements, such as standards, assessments, and instructional strategies, align across different subjects and grade levels.