Backward Design

By Alison Bertoni Scanlon

What is Backward Design?

To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now so that the steps you take are always in the right direction. --Stephen R. Covey

What is Backward Design?

Backward design is essentially starting at the end and working backwards.

It encompasses deciding what your targeted goal is and then working backward to achieve success.

Ralph Tyler described backward design about 50 years ago…

“Educational objectives become the criteria by which materials are selected, content is outlined and examinations are prepared…The purpose of a statement of objectives is to indicate the kinds of changes in the student to be brought about so that instructional activities can be planned and developed in a way likely to attain these objectives.”

Backward Design Essentials

The backward design approach has been noted for being useful in helping teachers to design curriculum to best meet students’ needsThe approach can be used across grade levels, students with disabilities, and across content areasThe teacher needs to ask themselves how they will get to the end result

How to implement backward design…

Teachers need to be aware of the difference between student knowledge and how students best understand When teachers begin this process they must plan carefully Teachers need to ultimately keep the students’ needs at the heart of the curriculum design

Teachers need to follow the following guidelines when implementing backward design…

Identify LearnersIdentify Curricular PrioritiesDesign Assessment FrameworkCreate Learning Activities

Step 1: Identify Learners

Identify classroom needs– Disabilities– Low-to-mid income families– Inclusive classroom students

Identify individual student needs– Students that best learn in small group, with

repetition, hands-on, who require positive encouragement

Step 2: Identify Curricular Priorities

Determine state standards

Create essential questions

Identify prerequisite skills and knowledge

Step 3: Design Assessment Framework

Performance tasks or projects

Oral or written prompts

Quizzes or tests

Informal assessments

Step 4: Create Learning Activities

Design sequence and learning activities

Check for integration of accommodations– Small group activities– Mini-lessons– Visuals

Throughout the process teachers need to…

Scaffold and create a learning environment in which the students can be successful

Design the curriculum with the purpose that students will be able to utilize schema

Through the design of the curriculum find ways to best meet the needs of all students

References

Childre, A., Sands, J., & Pope, S. (2009). Backward design. Teaching Exceptional Children, 41(5), 6-14.Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (1998). Understanding by design. Alexandria, VA: Merrill Prentice Hall.