Backward Design

Backward design is the effective design of curriculum that help accomplished teacher's goals for the students.  We first starts with the end result we desired, then think of how we can get there as a planning sequence for curriculum.

The desired end result should be a long term goal, with a blend of content and performance that can engage students.  What should students know, understand and be able to perform and be able to transfer knowledge in different settings.

Once we set the goal, we set assessment to validate that the desired goal has been achieved. Observation, quiz, informal checks for understanding and performance projects are some example of assessment methods teacher may consider.

After that, we can plan instructional activities toward the desired goal. We should think of what activities can equip students with the desired knowledge, skills and performance, what is the best way to teach and coach the students to reach the performance goal, etc.

Backward design helps set clear and specific knowledge, skills and performance that are essential to target for the lesson, so teacher can concentrate on most important and relevant topics. It is also easier for teachers to know what type of assessment methods and what areas we should focus assess on. Moreover, the assessment results can help give teachers ideas on what content needs to re-emphasised.