What is Backward Design?          

As teachers, it is our job to insure that students learn and understand the standards created by the district, state, or nation. Backward design is a process that guides a teacher when designing learning activities for a unit. 

 

This process is characterized as being "backward" because "many teachers begin with textbooks, favored lessons, and time-honored activities rather than deriving those tools from targeted goals or standards" (McTighe & Wiggins, 1998, p.6). This design suggests that teachers start first with what they want their students to know by the end of the unit, the standards. 

 

The backward design includes three stages:

1. Identify desired results

2. Determine acceptable evidence

3. Plan learning experiences and instruction