Synthesis of Chapter 3 of UbD/DI

Abstract:
This chapter introduces the backwards design model. In this chapter stage one was described as establishing the goals for the unit, stage two was defined as deciding what evidence will be used to figure out if the students have learned the material and stage three was defined as where the day to day activities that will help students learn and meet the goals from stage one are created. The backwards design model’s purpose is to keep teachers focused on the desired end. In this way teachers are working towards something and not just trying to cover a textbook. This way both students and teachers know where everything is heading.

Synthesis:
Overall the class found the model helpful in planning lessons especially in subjects where there was a lot of material. We all agreed that the model would both help us plan our lessons and help our students learn because having a clear focus makes it easier to differentiate in order to reach all learners, we have a clear goal so it is easier to assess how the students are doing in reaching that goal and because the students won’t just be doing activities or busy work but working towards learning something specific. The class thought that the backwards design model also addresses the gaps in state standards making it easy to meet them while engaging students.