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Backward Design - Coggle Diagram
Backward Design
Purpose: Design with the end result in mind or the assessment to demonstrate knowledge or skill to be gained.
3 Stages
Stage 1: Identify Desired Results
Stage 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence of Learning
Stage 3: Design Learning Experiences & Instruction :
How to Achieve Stage 1:
Ask yourself: What should students know, understand, and be able to do by the end of this unit?
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Define Essential Questions: Create open-ended, thought-provoking questions that guide the unit (e.g., instead of just teaching nutrition facts, ask: "How does what we eat affect how we feel and live?").
Target "Enduring Understandings": Distinguish between what is simply "nice to know" versus the big, transferable ideas that students should retain years down the road.
How to Achieve Stage 2:
You are essentially "teaching to the test," but in the best way possible. Before you plan a single day of instruction, you must design the assessments that will prove students actually achieved the goals from Stage 1.
Performance Tasks: Create authentic, real-world challenges where students must apply their knowledge (e.g., writing a proposal, designing an experiment, or debating an issue).
Other Evidence: Plan smaller, traditional check-ins along the way, such as quizzes, observations, or self-reflections.
Develop Rubrics: Clearly define what success looks like so that grading is transparent and aligned strictly with your Stage 1 goals.
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Criticism of Method
"Teaching to the Test"
Yet despite the negative connotation that comes along with that phrase, arguable teaching to the test is exactly what the role of the instructor should be. This does not mean teaching the test itself, of course. But if a known final test or assessment is required, then backward design can be a useful way to prepare learners to perform well on the final assessment.
Benefit of method: Both teacher and students are sure to be prepared for what they will be required to know at the end of the lesson or unit. There is a focused and intentional pathway to seek the best options for achieving the desired end result. The planning assures staying on time and task instead of pursuing rabbit trails throughout a lesson, unless that is the desired outcome :o)
Why it works: By establishing your endpoints first, you avoid the two most common traps in education: activity-oriented teaching (hands-on activities that are fun but don't lead to deep learning) and coverage-oriented teaching (racing through a textbook just to say you finished it).