Understanding by Design Framework

The concept of understanding by design (UbD) framework covers two main ideas. First is to focus on teaching and assessing fro understanding and learning transfer. The second is to design curriculum "backwards" from those ends. After reading these two ideas, I was confused on the second one. At first glance I took it as start from the end and then go backwards. However, this goes against what I am being taught in my AEE 412 class. We are told to start with unit plans then work our way down the ladder. But, after looking at it more, I came to think of it as start with the end in mind.

There are seven key tenets for the understanding by design framework. They include:

• learning is enhanced when teachers think purposefully about curricular planing. This means that teachers must always look at the big picture when planing a unit or lesson. Each lesson should flow into the other and all lead to one end point
• giving the students the ability to effectively use content knowledge and skill. Being a teacher, you want to make sure that the information that you teach is something that is needed. One good thing about being an agriculture teacher is that you do not have a set topic to teach. Ag classes are based around what the community needs. 
• effective curriculum is planned backward from long-term, desired results to the beginning. Like I stated before, one must always look at the end project.
• teachers are coaches of understanding. Teachers may not always know the correct answer but they will know how to find the answer or bring someone in that can help. 
• reviewing units and curriculum against design standards. This is to ensure quality and effectiveness and the best type of information that you students can achieve from you. 
• continual improvement approach. Teachers are always learning and that is what must be known to understand how to design your classroom and curriculum

Now that the seven key tenets for UbD is taken care of, lets talk about backward design. There are three stages. 

1. Ask yourself these questions: what should students know, understand and be able to do after leaving my classroom?
2. Ask these questions: how will we know if the students have achieved the desired results? How will we evaluate student performance in fair and consistent ways?
3. Lastly ask these questions: How will we prepare them to autonomously transfer their learning? 

If you are able to answer these questions plus more then you are heading the right direction of UbD.