Backward Design Assessment and Rubrics Based on Understanding

Backward Design, Assessment, and Rubrics Based on Understanding by Design By Grant Wiggins and Jay Mc. Tighe 1

Backward Design Process Stage 1: Identify Desired Results Stage 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence Stage 3: Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction 2

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Stage 1: Identify Desired Results • What should students know, understand, and be able to do? Worth Being familiar with Important to know and do “Enduring” Understanding 4

Stage 1: “Enduring” Understanding • What are the “Big Ideas” and “Essential Questions” of the project, unit, or lesson? • What key knowledge and skills will the students acquire as a result of this unit? • Begin with the end in mind. 5

Stage 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence • Think like an assessor and gather evidence at several points. • Traditional assessments used for essential knowledge and skills needed for the culminating performance. 6

Stage 2: Assessment Evidence Assessment Types Traditional quizzes and tests - paper/pencil - selected response - constructed response Performance tasks and projects - open-ended - complex - authentic Worth Being familiar with Important to know and do “Enduring” Understanding 7

Stage 2: Performance tasks & projects Why Rubrics? • Make grading criteria known to students • Reduce teacher subjectivity • Maintain focus on content, performance standards, and student work 8

Stage 2: Rubrics “Many rubrics describe a progression of skill from novice to expert. Our quest, however, is not for a rubric of skill development but for a rubric that combines insight and performance related to understanding of ideas and meaning. ” (Wiggins and Mc. Tighe) 9

Stage 3: Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction • Identify the facts, concepts, principles, and the procedures the students will need in order to complete performance task or project. • Identify content for direct teaching, coaching, and constructivist teaching. • Select activities, materials, and resources. 10

Stage 3: Learning Activities: WHERETO What learning experiences and instruction will enable students to achieve the desired results? How will the design — W= H= E = R = E = T= O = help students know where the unit is going? hook all students and hold their interest? equip students, explore the issues, and experience the ideas? provide opportunities to rethink and revise? allow students to exhibit their understanding and evaluate their work? be tailored to the different needs, interests, and abilities of learners? be organized to maximize initial and sustained engagement as well as effective learning? 11

Stage 3: Chinese Proverbs I hear, I forget; I see, I remember; I do, I understand. Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself. 12