Backwards Design

January 2012 Georgia Gwinnett College

Pam Allen and Bernie Peiffer, School of Education

Summarizing the work of : Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe

3 Stages of Design, elaborated

1. Identify desired results
2. Determine acceptable evidence 3. Plan learning experiences & instruction
P

The big ideas of each stage:

Standard(s):

Unpack focus on big ideas

Understandings
s t a g e 1

Essential Questions

What are the big ideas?

Assessment Evidence
Performance Task(s): Other Evidence:

Analyze multiple sources of evidence

s t a g e 2

Whats the evidence?

Learning Activities

Instruction and learning tasks

B

s t a g e 3

How will we get there?

Structure of Knowledge: What exactly are the Big Ideas ?

Factual Knowledge Discrete Skills Transferrable Concepts Complex Processes Principles

T

So What Exactly is an Enduring Understanding ?

It can represent a big idea having enduring value beyond the classroom. It involves doing not viewing . Think in terms of:
Between the lines Beyond the lines On the line

Essential Questions
Essential questions

Are arguable Reveal the heart of the discipline Recur - sustaining engaged inquiry Often raise other issues Provide for connected learning

Youve got to go below the surface...

to uncover the really big ideas.

3 Stages of Design: Stage 2

1. Identify desired results

2. Determine acceptable evidence

3. Plan learning experiences & instruction
B

The big idea for Stage 2 Determination of Evidence

credible & helpful are grounded in real-world applications
Provide useful feedback Are valid, reliable and aligned with course outcomes

Two Questions about UbD Evidence

What performances and products make meaning transfer? What assessment criteria demonstrate the Desired Results?

Construction of Assessments using the 6 facets of Rigorous Understanding

You really understand when you can:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
P

Explain Interpret Apply Perspective Empathize Self-Knowledge

3 Stages of Design: Stage 3

1. Identify desired results 2. Determine acceptable evidence

3. Plan learning experiences & instruction

B

Stage 3 big idea:

E F F E C T I V E

and

E N G A G I N G

Think W. H. E. R. E. T. O.

W H E R E T O
P

Headed Hooked Equipped Rethink, Rehearse, Refine and Revise Evaluate Tailored Organized

3 Stages of Design: Stage 3: Learning Experiences & Instruction

1. Identify desired results 2. Determine acceptable evidence

3. Plan learning experiences & instruction

T

Sources
Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (1998). Understanding by Design. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2000). Understanding by Design: Study Guide. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. Brown, J. L. (2004). Making the Most of Understanding by Design. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.