Why Backwards Design?
Starting with the end in mind is my favorite way to design learner-focused experiences. This process called Backwards Design comes from Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins and builds a participant-focused learning experience. Many learners appreciate knowing what is expected of them at the beginning of a lesson or course because it relieves anxiety and boosts motivation and trust. Take a diver deeper when you are ready, and here’s a snapshot of how you can keep your learning objective in focus with the simple steps to Backwards Design.
Identify what you want the learner to do
Determine the evidence that the learner needs to demonstrate to show what they know
Design the learning activities
For further reading on Backwards Design, check out Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins’ book Understand by Design.
