Cartoonish Podcast featuring Dr Lara: Backward Curriculum Design Model Starting with the End in Mind

Video Description

Backward design is a pedagogical approach that flips the traditional method of designing curriculum on its head. Instead of starting with content and activities and working toward desired outcomes, backward design begins with the end goals in mind and works backward to determine the best means of achieving them. This approach was popularized by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe in their book "Understanding by Design," and it has since become a cornerstone of effective instructional design. At the heart of backward design is a focus on learning outcomes or objectives. These objectives define what students should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of a lesson, unit, or course. They serve as the guiding beacon for all instructional decisions, ensuring that every activity, assessment, and resource is aligned with the desired learning outcomes. By clearly articulating these objectives upfront, teachers can maintain a sharp focus on what truly matters in terms of student learning. The backward design process typically consists of three stages: identifying desired results, determining acceptable evidence, and planning learning experiences and instruction. In the first stage, educators carefully consider what they want students to achieve and understand. This involves not only academic knowledge but also essential skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Once the desired results are established, the next step is to determine how students' understanding and proficiency will be assessed. This might involve creating various forms of evidence, such as tests, projects, presentations, or performances, that allow students to demonstrate their learning. These assessments serve as checkpoints to gauge progress toward the learning objectives and provide valuable feedback for both students and teachers. With the end goals and assessment methods in place, educators can then design the learning experiences and instruction that will lead students to achieve those goals. This stage involves selecting appropriate content, resources, instructional strategies, and activities that are aligned with the desired outcomes and tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners. It's essential to consider how each component of the instructional plan contributes to students' mastery of the targeted knowledge and skills. One of the key benefits of backward design is its emphasis on clarity and coherence. By starting with the end in mind, teachers can avoid the trap of "coverage" mentality, where they try to cram as much content as possible into a limited timeframe without regard for depth or understanding. Instead, backward design encourages a more thoughtful and intentional approach to curriculum development, where every element is purposefully chosen to support the desired learning outcomes. Moreover, backward design promotes student-centered instruction by prioritizing what students should learn rather than what teachers should teach. This shift in perspective fosters a deeper understanding of concepts and encourages meaningful engagement with the material. When students know precisely what is expected of them and why it matters, they are more motivated to invest their time and effort in learning. Additionally, backward design promotes flexibility and adaptability in teaching. Because the focus is on the desired results rather than a predetermined sequence of content, teachers have the freedom to adjust their instruction based on students' needs, interests, and feedback. This allows for differentiation and personalized learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of learners. Furthermore, backward design promotes coherence and alignment across the curriculum. By starting with the end goals and working backward, educators can ensure that learning experiences build upon one another in a logical progression, leading to deeper understanding and retention of knowledge and skills over time. This alignment helps to avoid repetition, gaps, and inconsistencies in instruction, providing a more cohesive and comprehensive learning experience for students. In conclusion, backward design is a powerful framework for curriculum development that empowers teachers to create meaningful learning experiences that maximize students' progress. By starting with the end goals in mind and working backward to design instruction, educators can ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment in their teaching. This student-centered approach promotes deeper understanding, engagement, and retention of knowledge and skills, ultimately leading to more successful learning outcomes for all students. @latesttrendsineducation