Introduction:
Are you looking to create a course that leads to meaningful learning and feels intentional and cohensive for students? Enter backwards design—a powerful approach that starts with the end in mind. Whether you’re designing a new course or revamping an existing one, backwards design can help you focus on what really matters: student learning. Here’s a quick guide to getting started with this approach.
Step 1: Identify Desired Results:
Start by asking yourself, “What do I want my students to walk away with?” This step is all about defining your learning objectives—clear, measurable goals that articulate what students should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of your course. Think of these as the compass that will guide every other decision you make. Use an established taxonomy of verbs (such as Bloom’s) to ensure these objectives are actionable and observable.
Step 2: Determing Acceptable Evidence:
Once you know where you’re headed, it’s time to think about how you’ll know if students have arrived. This step is all about assessment. What evidence will you accept as proof that students have met the learning objectives? Whether it’s through exams, projects, or presentations, your assessments should align with the level of learning you’re aiming for. Remember, alignment is key!
Step 3: Plan Instruction:
With your objectives and assessments in place, it’s time to plan the journey. How will you get your students from point A to point B? This step involves designing the learning activities and instruction that will support your objectives. Think about what needs to be taught and how it should be taught to achieve your goals. Your aim should be to create engaging, effective learning experiences that build toward the desired results.
Conclusion:
By following these three steps—identifying desired results, determining acceptable evidence, and planning instruction—you can design a course that’s not only cohesive and purposeful but also deeply impactful. Start with the end in mind, and watch your students thrive! Feel free to use the resources below including the worksheet to assist in desgining your course.
Supporting Resources:
- Big List of Bloom’s Verbs
- Bloom’s Aligned Assessment Suggestions
- Worksheet: Backwards Design
- Learning Objectives Assessment Suggestor Tool (Note: this tool must be downloaded and launched in Excel for it to work properly)
- Understanding by Design (UdB) videos by Grant Wiggens (Part 1, Part 2)