Steps of Backward

Design
 Backward design is the process to design a lesson, unit, or course by first
determining what the final outcomes are and then planning assessment strategies and
finally determining methods of instruction and assignments. It allows instructors to plan
lessons and courses with a focus on student learning.
Stage 1 – Identify
the desired
results
What do you expect students to
know or be able to do at the end
of the class, unit, or course?

The first stage of backward

design is to write learning
outcomes. Bloom’s (revised)
Taxonomy (Anderson, Krathwohl,
and Bloom, 2001) is very helpful
in writing learning outcomes.
Stage 2 – Determining acceptable evidence

How will the students demonstrate they met the learning outcome?

Before thinking about the lessons and instruction, Wiggins and McTighe (2005) encourage
instructors to determine how they will assess student learning. Assessing a multicultural group
of students require attention to the specific characteristics of the diverse students.

Some topics to consider are:

•providing clear assessment instructions

•providing examples of successful works
•determining if writing skills are part of the outcome being assessed
•being aware of cultural bias
Stage 3 – Plan learning experiences and instruction

How will students gain the knowledge and develop the skills necessary to meet
the learning outcome?

Now it is time to plan the lessons, determine reading assignments, method of

instruction, and other classroom activities to support student learning. With
students’ needs in mind, instructors can choose the most appropriate methods to
help their classes meet the learning outcomes.
Thank You