Understanding by Design Effective Teaching and Learning

Overview

• What is Understanding by Design?• What is the design process?• How do you teach a UbD-designed course?

What is Understanding by Design?

Understanding by Design

• Understanding by Design ~ “UbD”• A three-step curriculum design process• “Backward” design process

What is the Design Process?

The Design Process

Stage 1: Identify desired results.

Stage 2: Determine acceptable evidence.

Stage 3: Plan learning experiences.

(4. You teach the UbD-designed course.)

The Design Team

• Instructional designer• System director• Dean or department head• Faculty• Content experts

1. Identify Desired Results

Understanding• Answering the

essential questions• Reinforcing the big

ideas

Big Ideas• Concepts• 1-2 words• Timeless

Essential Questions• Stimulate thought• Provoke inquiry• Open-ended

Students will know or do…….

• Answer the essential questions

• Apply the big ideas• Lead to SLOs/EOs

Big Ideas

Core Concepts

1-2 words

Timeless

Essential Questions

Stimulate thought

Provoke inquiry

Open-ended

What students will know and do….

Help students investigate the EQs

Lead to the SLOs/EOs

Goal of the Course

2. Determine Acceptable Evidence

• Assessment– Between 60-80% of the assessments are

required. All student learning outcomes (SLOs)

and enabling objectives (EOs) are assessed.– They are authentic and real-world

– Projects– Role plays– Exams– Research papers

– Instructors might add:– Discussion prompts– Informal checks for understanding– Quizzes

3. Plan Learning Experiences

• Learner-Centered– Engagement– Individual responsibility– Critical thinking

• Developed by faculty– Best practices

• Relevant– Skill and understanding– Practical application

Questions

Teaching a UbD-designed Course

• “Traditional” course– Skills & experience

• UbD treasure chest– A ready-to-use Blackboard course

• Instructor & student resources

We are going to look at a UbD designed course now.

Additional Information

• Any course navigational questions submit to your

Champions.• Any course feedback submit to your direct supervisor.• Keep any student work from the required assessments

so data can be collected.• Teach in the order that works for you. There is

flexibility.• Final questions?

You + UbD = student

success