Article: Principles of Backward Design

Article 3: What do we know about how kids learn – with or without technology?

School Education Division. (2004). Principles of backward Design. Retrieved September 18, 2007, from http://www.ltag.education.tas.gov.au/planning/models/princbackdesign.htm

This is a very useful website. I plan to revisit it when we start the real work of our unit.

Just a note: When I was an undergraduate, we learned how to plan with a Backward Design framework. We never learned another way. I think this is why “newer” teachers are less-resistant to the idea of starting with desired outcomes. Not to say that these “newer” teachers are never tempted to do a unit/lesson without considering the larger picture. I think it’s just a real advantage for me that this method has become the expected routine – and it has become much more of a second-nature process.

What this can lead to enhanced collaboration across the “pay scale”. Newer teachers can share their know-how on the planning method, while more seasoned teachers can share their vast knowledge of curriculum methods, materials, and assessment techniques. Planning across levels of teacher experience can bring about better lesson that have clear outcomes for more kids.