Design Models
Backward Design
Start with desired outcomes, then plan backwards.
Definition
An instructional design approach where you define desired learning outcomes first, then plan assessments and learning activities that lead directly to those outcomes.
đź’ˇ Core Idea
By starting with the end goal, you ensure that every activity and piece of content aligns with what learners should achieve, preventing wasted effort on irrelevant material.
🔍 How It Works
- Identify Outcomes – Define clear, measurable learning objectives.
- Determine Evidence – Decide how learners will demonstrate mastery.
- Plan Activities – Design learning experiences that prepare learners for those assessments.
🎯 How to Apply
- Write learning objectives before creating content.
- Design assessments first, then plan lessons to build the required skills.
- Check that each activity maps to at least one outcome.
- Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to ensure objectives cover the right cognitive levels.
đź“Ś Quick Example
In a coding course, the goal is “Students can build and deploy a React app.” The instructor creates a final project assessment first, then designs lessons on components, state, and deployment to prepare students for it.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Creating lessons or activities without clear objectives.
- Writing vague objectives that can’t be measured.
- Designing assessments that don’t match the intended outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Start with the destination in mind—let learning outcomes guide every design decision.
đź“š Resources
- Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by Design. ASCD.
- Vanderbilt University – Backward Design
- Biggs, J., & Tang, C. (2011). Teaching for Quality Learning at University. McGraw-Hill Education.