Unit 2 Backward Design Overview

Backward Design Overview

Introduction

This unit outlines the basic concepts and stages of Backward Design; a learning design methodology for designing learner centered learning experiences.

Learning Outcome for this Unit

After completing this unit, you will understand the basic concepts of Backward Design.

Ryan's Video Introduction for this Unit

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Unit 2 Introduction Video -.mp4

Read

  • Chapter 1 of Understanding by Design, Expanded 2nd Edition; Wiggins, Grant and McTighe, Jay; © 2005.
  • Chapters 3-4 of Creating Significant Learning Experiences; Fink, L. Dee; © 2003.

Watch

The Design Loop - Backward Design in Context

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Design Loop Video -.mp4

A Brief Word about Purchasing Curriculum

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Purchasing Curriculum Video -.mp4

Do

In the full class discussion, create a post and choose and answer two of the following questions. Write as much as you need to address the topic thoughtfully. 250-500 words per question is a reasonable target for response length.

  1. Think of an experience that was a significant learning experience for you. This experience might have taken place in a school or some other non-formal environment. Describe what the experience was like for you as a learner. Think about the instructor or leader of that experience. What did he or she design and do to help you learn during that experience?
  2. Think about your experiences in adult education in ministry settings either as a student or a teacher. How does what you encountered in these readings from this unit affirm or challenge what you have experienced?
  3. As a teacher, what about the Backward Design framework excites you; what makes you cautious?

Handouts

Handouts list view Handouts card view

Readings

Handouts

Title Description File type
Comparing 12 steps of Integrated Course Design and the 3 stages of Backward Design
This sheet compares the 3 stages of Backward Design from Understanding by Design with the 12 steps of Integrated Course Design from Creating Significant Learning Experiences.
 		.pdf
Design-Do-Assess Diagram
This is the design loop diagram.
 		.pdf
Backward Design Stages as Questions
This sheet outlines the major movements of Backward Design as questions.
.pdf

Explore

There are a number of excellent materials that address this topic. These are not required for the course. Explore them as your time and interest allow.

Other Excellent Books on Backward Design
  • Understanding by Design, Expanded 2nd Edition; Wiggins, Grant and McTighe, Jay; © 2005.
  • Learner Centered-Assessment on College Campuses, Shifting the Focus from Teaching to Learning; Huba, Mary E. and Freed, Jann E.; Allyn and Bacon, © 2000.
  • Designing and Assessing Courses and Curricula, A Practical Guide, Third Edition; Diamond, Robert M.; © 2008.
Design Thinking

Design Thinking is a related backward design process that can work in educational processes but also in the design of physical spaces, objects, and human services.