Benefits Of Backwards Course Design
Backwards course design may feel strange because textbook selection comes in step 3, while planning exams comes earlier, in step 2. However, by focusing our attention on learning goals and guiding us to promptly envision assessments matched to those goals, this method sets us up to maximize the extent to which our instructional activities support the goals, equipping students to demonstrate their learning and perform well on assessments.
Derived from
Understanding by Design
(Wiggins and McTighe)
Diving Deeper Into Backwards Course Design
There are many approaches to this type of backwards instructional design. More elaborate versions of this method help us create more powerful learning experiences by guiding us to:
- Think carefully about our audience (learners) and the context in which learning will occur.
- Break down complex tasks (like writing a research paper) into component skills to ensure that sufficient and well-sequenced instruction is provided.
- Write specific, measurable, learning objectives.
- Provide both ample opportunities for practicing skills and frequent, prompt feedback.
- Plan for how we will evaluate and revise our instruction.