Understanding Backwards Design

Rohan, Benjamin, and Oliver are planning a project using the Understanding by Design (UbD) or Backward Design model. What should be their first step?

• Identify the desired learning results

• Determine acceptable assessment evidence

• Plan learning experiences and instruction

• Write essential questions that are aligned to the TEKS

In a parent-teacher meeting, Luna's teacher was explaining her progress to her parents. The teacher mentioned 'Enduring Understandings'. What did the teacher mean by 'Enduring Understandings'?

• Statements that summarize important learning concepts that should go beyond the classroom walls.

• High-level questions that encourage critical thinking skills and allow students like Luna, Mia, and Oliver to dive deeply into a concept or topic. 

• A lesson planning approach that plans backward by first identifying the desired learning, choosing assessments, and then planning instructional tasks for students like Luna, Mia, and Oliver. 

• None of the above.

UbD or Backward Design is not an approach to teaching, it is an approach to (a)   that maximizes the chance student will learn to think critically and creatively. 

• Instruction
• Planning
• Assessment
• Questioning

In a classroom discussion, Jackson, Avery, and Priya are discussing the characteristics of an Essential Question. According to them, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an Essential Question?

• Questions that can be answered by "google-ing" the topic.

• Questions that are open-ended and stimulate thought and discussion.

• Questions that are important and timeless.

• Questions that provide a jumping point for students to ask more questions. 

Abigail, Aiden, and Nora are planning a school project. They decide to use a specific approach to plan their project. This approach involves first identifying what they want to learn from the project, choosing how they will assess their learning, and then planning the tasks they will do. What is this approach called?

• Statements that summarize important learning concepts that should go beyond the classroom walls. 

• High-level questions that encourage critical thinking skills and allow students to dive deeply into a concept or topic.

• Understanding by Design, a lesson planning approach that plans backward by first identifying the desired learning, choosing assessments, and then planning instructional tasks. 

• None of the above.

In a classroom discussion, Oliver, David, and Nora are trying to understand the concept of 'Essential Questions'. Can you help them by identifying what are Essential Questions?

• Statements that summarize important learning concepts that should go beyond the classroom walls. 

• A lesson planning approach that plans backward by first identifying the desired learning, choosing assessments, and then planning instructional tasks. 

• High-level questions that encourage critical thinking skills and allow students to dive deeply into a concept or topic. 

• None of the above.

Aria, Scarlett, and Kai are discussing about their learning experiences. According to their discussion, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an Enduring Understanding they mentioned?

• Learning topics that go beyond the classroom or curriculum.

• Learning that transfers to other fields and to real-world applications. 

• Learning that frames the big ideas and important learning concepts. 

• Learning basic facts, vocabulary, or skills through memorization and repetition. 

After teachers have identified what it is that they want their students to learn  or understand at the end of a class or course, Mr. Wiggins encourages them to determine acceptable (in the video): (a)  

• Evidence for potential assessment
• Instructional strategies
• Differentiation
• Modifications/Accommodations