Grant Wiggins - Understanding by Design (2 of 2)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework as presented by educator Grant Wiggins. The UbD framework is designed to enhance student achievement by helping educators clarify learning objectives, develop assessments that effectively gauge student understanding, and create engaging learning activities. This guide will walk you through the key elements of the UbD framework, making it applicable for your teaching practice.

Step 1: Identify Desired Results

• Begin by defining what you want your students to learn. Consider the following:
  • What should students know and be able to do by the end of the lesson or unit?
  • What enduring understandings should they take away?
• Use backward design by starting with the end in mind. Ask yourself:
  • What are the key concepts or skills that are essential for student success?
  • How do these align with curriculum standards?

Step 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence

• Develop assessments that will provide evidence of student understanding. Consider:
  • What types of assessments will best measure if students have achieved the desired results?
  • Include a mix of formative assessments (ongoing checks for understanding) and summative assessments (final evaluations).
• Create rubrics or criteria for success that clarify expectations for student performance.

Step 3: Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction

• Design engaging learning activities that will help students achieve the desired results. Keep in mind:
  • What instructional strategies will you use to teach the content?
  • How will you differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of your students?
• Incorporate various teaching methods such as:
  • Collaborative group work
  • Hands-on activities
  • Real-world applications of the content

Step 4: Reflect and Revise

• After implementing your UbD plan, take time to reflect on its effectiveness:
  • What worked well in your instruction?
  • What challenges did you face, and how can you address them in the future?
• Revise your lesson plans based on student feedback and assessment results to improve future iterations.

Conclusion

The Understanding by Design framework encourages thoughtful planning by focusing on the end goals of education first. By identifying desired results, determining acceptable evidence, planning effective learning experiences, and reflecting on your practice, you can enhance student learning outcomes. Consider integrating UbD into your teaching strategy to foster a deeper understanding and engagement in your classroom. For further development, explore additional resources on UbD or consider professional development workshops focused on this framework.