"Understanding by Design" Summary

Introduction

"Understanding by Design" is a groundbreaking book written by Grant P. Wiggins and Jay McTighe. This book revolutionizes the way educators approach curriculum design, focusing on the importance of understanding and meaningful learning rather than mere content coverage. By providing a framework for designing effective instruction, the authors aim to help educators create engaging and relevant learning experiences for students.

Brief Synopsis

The book begins by challenging the traditional approach to curriculum design, which often prioritizes the coverage of content over deep understanding. Instead, the authors advocate for a backward design approach, where educators start by identifying the desired outcomes or understanding they want students to achieve. This approach helps ensure that instruction is purposeful and aligned with the intended learning goals.

The authors introduce a three-stage framework for curriculum design: 1) Identify desired results, 2) Determine acceptable evidence, and 3) Plan learning experiences and instruction. They emphasize the importance of focusing on essential understandings and transferable skills, as well as providing authentic opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning.

Throughout the book, the authors provide practical examples, templates, and exercises to guide educators in implementing the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework. They also address common misconceptions and challenges that educators may encounter during the design process.

Main Characters

The book does not have fictional characters, as it is a non-fiction educational guide.

Summary of Different Story Points Over Chapters

Chapter 1: Backward Design

In this chapter, the authors introduce the concept of backward design and explain why it is a more effective approach to curriculum design. They argue that starting with the end in mind allows educators to create learning experiences that promote deep understanding and transferable skills.

Chapter 2: The Design Process

This chapter outlines the three stages of the UbD framework: identifying desired results, determining acceptable evidence, and planning learning experiences and instruction. The authors provide a step-by-step guide for each stage and offer examples to illustrate the process.

Chapter 3: Stage 1 - Identify Desired Results

In Stage 1, educators are encouraged to identify the desired learning outcomes and enduring understandings they want students to achieve. The authors emphasize the importance of focusing on big ideas and essential questions that promote inquiry and critical thinking.

Chapter 4: Stage 1 - Transfer Goals

In this chapter, the authors delve into the concept of transfer goals, which are the knowledge and skills that students can apply beyond the classroom. They provide strategies for identifying transfer goals and explain how to align them with the desired learning outcomes.

Chapter 5: Stage 2 - Determine Acceptable Evidence

Stage 2 focuses on determining the evidence that will demonstrate students' understanding and mastery of the desired outcomes. The authors suggest various assessment methods, such as performance tasks, authentic assessments, and rubrics, to ensure that assessment aligns with the goals of understanding.

Chapter 6: Stage 3 - Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction

In Stage 3, educators plan the learning experiences and instruction that will lead students to achieve the desired outcomes. The authors emphasize the importance of engaging students through authentic and meaningful tasks, as well as providing opportunities for formative assessment and feedback.

Chapter 7: Teaching for Understanding

This chapter explores the concept of teaching for understanding and provides strategies for promoting deep learning. The authors discuss the role of essential questions, authentic tasks, and ongoing assessment in fostering understanding.

Main Events

As "Understanding by Design" is a non-fiction educational guide, it does not have a traditional plot with main events. Instead, the book focuses on providing educators with a framework for curriculum design and guiding them through the process.

Themes and Insights

The main theme of "Understanding by Design" is the importance of designing instruction that promotes deep understanding and meaningful learning. The authors argue that content coverage alone is insufficient and that educators should prioritize essential understandings and transferable skills.

Through their framework, the authors provide insights into effective instructional design, emphasizing the need for clear learning goals, authentic assessment, and engaging learning experiences. They also highlight the importance of backward design, where educators start with the desired outcomes and work backward to plan instruction.

Reader's Takeaway

"Understanding by Design" is a must-read for educators looking to enhance their curriculum design skills and create meaningful learning experiences for students. The book offers a practical and research-based framework that guides educators through the process of designing instruction that promotes understanding.

By adopting the backward design approach outlined in the book, educators can ensure that their instruction aligns with the desired outcomes and engages students in deep learning. The practical examples and exercises provided by the authors make it easy for educators to apply the UbD framework in their own classrooms.

Conclusion

"Understanding by Design" offers a fresh perspective on curriculum design, prioritizing understanding and meaningful learning over content coverage. The book provides a comprehensive framework that guides educators through the process of designing instruction aligned with desired outcomes.

By adopting the UbD framework, educators can create engaging and relevant learning experiences that promote deep understanding and transferable skills. "Understanding by Design" is a valuable resource for educators seeking to enhance their instructional practices and improve student learning outcomes.