What is Backwards by Design?
Backwards Design is a framework promoted by Wiggins and McTighe (2004) in their book Understanding by Design. Understanding by Design was originally published in 1998, and in it Wiggins and Tighe introduced us to an approach to instructional planning that starts with the end goal, then works backward from there. Their notion of ‘backwards design’ was developed as a response to conventional curriculum design where content and topics are chosen first.
Backwards Design focuses on desired results (learning outcomes); how these will be evidenced (assessment), and how students can experience and practice what they learn (learning activities). These elements form a road map to help ensure teaching and learning remains focused and organised. Backwards Design is underpinned by the Understanding by Design Framework and emphasises the teachers’ critical role as a designer of learning. Backwards by Design typically has a three step process.
- Identify the outcomes
- Design the Assessment
- Design the learning activities
