Backwards Planning Takes Thinking Ahead | Edutopia

Backwards Planning Takes Thinking Ahead | Edutopia

Rebecca Alber, Edutopia Consultant, touches up on one of the  topics recently covered in instructional design -- start with the end in mind.

Understanding By Design (USB) has the final assessment as a focus,and instruction, tasks, etc. all work toward that end goal.

Rebecca compares a lesson planning to the planning of one's vacation in order to give her readers a better understanding of her message. Following is a list she cites on her blog page regarding our lesson planning:

1. Standard(s).
2. Skills, concepts, and knowledge required
3. Final assessment/project/demonstration of understanding of skills, concepts, knowledge.
4. Lessons that lead up to that end.
5. Reflection on the set of lessons to ensure skills/concepts/knowledge for assessment are being taught

This makes sense. This list is worth visiting over and over again even by veteran educators.