Enhancing Learning By Design - Backward Design Method For Effective Teaching Planning

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

In the course students will learn about benefits of incorporating backward design into any teaching unit/course design. As defining learning outcomes and assessment are critical components of the backward design process, the special focus of the course will be on how to develop effective assessment and align it to learning objectives.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

The course is mainly intended for future educators but not exclusively. The knowledge and skills acquired will enable students to be more reflective learners and look for ways to enhance their learning experience.

Syllabus

Week 1: Laying out/clarifying teaching goals and learning objectives of the course, discussing students’ motivation, expectations and course final assessment (developing a teaching unit plan using the backward design method*)

 

Week 2: The differences between traditional planning and planning using backward design

 

Week 3: Three stages of the backward design

 

Week 4: Defining learning outcomes

 

Week 5: Types of assessments used to measure and increase student learning

 

Week 6: Aligning assessment to learning outcomes

 

Week 7: Developing effective assessment that meets the needs of all learners

 

Week 8: Putting theory into practice – presenting and discussing lesson/any teaching unit plans developed using the backward design method

 

*students not planning their career as teachers can plan a class on any topic of their interest

Reading list

Wiggins, G. P. and J. McTighe (2005). Understanding by Design. 2nd edition. Alexandria, Virginia: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. 

Angelo, T. A. and K. P. Cross (1993). Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers. 2nd edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.