Grant Wiggins - Understanding by Design (1 of 2)

Introduction

This tutorial outlines the key concepts and steps presented by educator Grant Wiggins in his workshop on Understanding by Design (UbD). This framework is designed to enhance student achievement by helping educators clarify learning goals, develop effective assessments, and create engaging learning activities. By following this guide, educators can implement UbD principles in their teaching practices.

Step 1: Clarify Learning Goals

• Begin by identifying the key learning objectives for your students.
• Use the following questions to guide your goal-setting:
  • What should students know and be able to do by the end of the lesson or unit?
  • How do these goals align with broader educational standards?
• Consider writing goals in student-friendly language to ensure clarity.

Step 2: Design Assessments

• Develop assessments that accurately measure student understanding of the learning goals.
• Focus on creating both formative and summative assessments:
  • Formative assessments: Use these throughout the learning process to gauge understanding (e.g., quizzes, discussions).
  • Summative assessments: These evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit (e.g., projects, tests).
• Ensure assessments require students to demonstrate their understanding through application or analysis, rather than rote memorization.

Step 3: Create Engaging Learning Activities

• Design activities that promote active learning and align with your learning goals and assessments.
• Incorporate a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles:
  • Group discussions
  • Hands-on projects
  • Individual research assignments
• Aim for activities that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Step 4: Reflect and Revise

• After implementing your lesson plan, reflect on its effectiveness:
  • Did students meet the learning goals?
  • What assessments worked well, and which did not?
  • Were the activities engaging for the students?
• Use this reflection to make necessary adjustments for future lessons.

Conclusion

Understanding by Design is a powerful framework for enhancing educational outcomes. By clarifying learning goals, designing appropriate assessments, creating engaging activities, and reflecting on your practice, you can significantly improve student achievement. Consider exploring further resources or workshops on UbD to deepen your understanding and application of this framework.