Getting Started (and Mastering) Backward Design Lesson Plans
Backward design lesson planning is an approach to curriculum development that starts with the end goal in mind. This approach was first proposed by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe in their book "Understanding by Design" and has since gained popularity among educators worldwide. Let’s explore the backward design lesson planning concept and its benefits for teachers and students.
What is Backward Design Lesson Planning?
Backward design lesson planning is a process that involves starting with the end goal and then working backward to determine the necessary steps to achieve that goal. In other words, instead of starting with the content or activities, the teacher begins by defining the desired learning outcomes and then designs the curriculum accordingly.
The process involves three stages:
Identify the desired results: The teacher starts by identifying the learning outcomes they want their students to achieve by the end of the lesson, unit, or course. These outcomes should be specific, measurable, and aligned with the overall goals of the curriculum.
Determine acceptable evidence: The teacher then determines the evidence that will be used to assess whether the students have achieved the desired outcomes. This evidence could be in the form of tests, projects, presentations, or other assessments.
Plan learning experiences and instruction: Finally, the teacher designs the learning experiences and instruction that will help students achieve the desired outcomes and provide the evidence necessary for assessment. This may include selecting content, developing activities, and determining instructional strategies.
Benefits of Backward Design Lesson Planning
Clarity of learning goals: Backward design lesson planning helps teachers clarify the learning goals they want their students to achieve. By starting with the end goal in mind, they can ensure that their curriculum is focused and aligned with the overall goals of the curriculum.
Alignment with assessments: Backward design lesson planning also ensures that the assessments used to evaluate student learning are aligned with the desired outcomes. This helps ensure that students are being evaluated on the skills and knowledge they were intended to learn.
Engages students: Backward design lesson planning allows for more student-centered learning experiences. When teachers design their curriculum with the end goal in mind, they can create activities and experiences that engage and motivate students towards achieving the desired outcomes.
Adaptability: Backward design lesson planning also allows for more adaptability in teaching. By starting with the end goal in mind, teachers can adjust their instructional strategies and activities to meet the needs of their students better.
Focus on deeper understanding: Backward design lesson planning prioritizes a deeper understanding of the content instead of just memorizing or completing activities. This helps students build meaningful connections to the material and apply it to real-world situations.
Does Backwards Design Lesson Planning Work?
backward design lesson planning is a practical and effective approach to curriculum development and instructional design. Research has shown that starting with the end goal in mind and working backward to design instruction can lead to better student outcomes and deeper learning.
One of the key benefits of backward design is that it promotes a more focused and intentional approach to curriculum development. By starting with the desired learning outcomes and working backward to design instruction, teachers can ensure that all instructional activities and assessments are aligned with the goals of the curriculum. This helps to avoid the common problem of "coverage" - where teachers try to cover too much material without ensuring that students have truly mastered key concepts and skills.
Another benefit of backward design is that it allows for more flexibility and adaptability in teaching. By starting with the end goal in mind, teachers can adjust their instruction and activities to meet the needs of their students better. This can lead to more engaging and effective learning experiences tailored to each student's individual needs and interests.
How to Master the Backward Lesson Planning Approach
Mastering backward design lesson planning can take time and practice, but there are several tips that can help you become more proficient in this approach to curriculum development:
Start with the end goal in mind: The first step in backward design is to identify the desired learning outcomes. Take time to carefully consider what you want your students to be able to do or know by the end of the lesson, unit, or course. Be specific and focus on key concepts and skills.
Align assessments with outcomes: Once you have identified your learning outcomes, determine the checks that will be used to evaluate whether students have achieved those outcomes. Ensure your assessments align with the desired outcomes and provide evidence of student learning.
Design engaging learning experiences: After determining your assessments, you can begin to design the learning experiences and instructional strategies that will help students achieve the desired outcomes. Focus on creating engaging, relevant, and meaningful activities for your students.
Use formative assessment: Throughout the learning process, use formative assessment to monitor student progress and adjust instruction as needed. This can help you identify areas where students struggle and provide additional support or clarification.
Reflect and revise: After teaching your lesson, take time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. You can use this feedback to revise your lesson for the next time you teach it.
Collaborate with colleagues: Collaborating with colleagues can be a great way to share ideas and get feedback on your backward design lesson planning. Work with other teachers in your school or district to share best practices and get support.
Use technology: Technology can be a powerful tool for backward design lesson planning. Many online resources and tools can help you design effective assessments and learning experiences.
By following these tips, you can become more proficient in backward design lesson planning and create more purposeful and effective learning experiences for your students.
Try a New Approach in Your Classroom Today
Backward design lesson planning is a valuable approach to curriculum development that clearly focuses on learning outcomes, aligns assessments with desired results, and engages students in meaningful learning experiences. By starting with the end goal in mind, teachers can ensure that their curriculum is purposeful and effective in helping students achieve their learning goals.