Understanding by Design (UbD)

Understanding by Design (UbD) is an innovative framework for curriculum planning developed by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe. Unlike traditional teaching methods, which often begin with lesson activities and move toward assessments, UbD starts with the end in mind. Educators first identify the desired learning outcomes and what they want students to understand and be able to do by the end of the unit or course. This "backward design" approach ensures that all instructional activities and assessments are aligned with these goals, creating a cohesive and focused learning experience. By setting clear objectives from the outset, UbD helps teachers plan more effectively and ensures that students achieve meaningful learning outcomes.

A key aspect of UbD is its emphasis on the learning of "big ideas"—core concepts and principles that have lasting value beyond the classroom. This approach encourages students to develop a deep understanding of fundamental ideas, rather than merely memorizing isolated facts. Furthermore, UbD measures success by a student's ability to transfer their learning to new and unfamiliar situations. This means that students should not only be able to demonstrate their knowledge in the classroom but also apply it in real-world contexts. By focusing on these big ideas and the transfer of learning, UbD aims to develop students who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of using their understanding in practical, meaningful ways.

Key Points

Begins with the end in mind
Associated with the learning of "Big Ideas"
Defines success in the student’s ability to transfer learning from a familiar situation to a novel situation

Begins with the End in Mind: Understanding by Design is a framework for designing curriculum, assessment, and instruction that starts with clear goals or desired results. This approach, often described as "backward design," emphasizes starting with the end in mind. Educators first identify the learning outcomes and what they want students to understand and be able to do. Then, they plan assessments and learning experiences that align with these goals. This ensures that all aspects of teaching are focused on achieving the desired student understanding and performance.

Associated with the Learning of "Big Ideas": UbD focuses on the learning of "big ideas," which are the core concepts, principles, theories, and processes that have enduring value beyond the classroom. These big ideas are central to a subject and provide a deeper understanding that students can apply in various contexts. By emphasizing these key concepts, UbD helps students grasp the essential aspects of a subject rather than just memorizing isolated facts.

Defines Success in the Student’s Ability to Transfer Learning: A critical measure of success in UbD is the student's ability to transfer their learning from familiar situations to novel ones. This means that students should not only understand the material in the context in which it was taught but also be able to apply their knowledge and skills in new and different situations. Transfer of learning demonstrates a deeper, more flexible understanding and indicates that students can use what they've learned to solve real-world problems and adapt to new challenges.

By starting with the end in mind, focusing on big ideas, and emphasizing the transfer of learning, Understanding by Design provides a structured approach to creating meaningful and effective educational experiences.

Guiding Question: Five years after completing your course, what should your student still know or be able to do?

Understanding by Design (UbD) is characterized by its focus on guaranteed outcomes for students meeting the minimum standards in a course. This approach ensures that all students achieve a certain level of proficiency, providing a clear benchmark for success. UbD emphasizes a short list of large ideas, typically encompassing 4-8 key objectives, which represent the core concepts and principles that students need to understand. These big ideas are designed to be significant and enduring, helping students grasp the essential aspects of the subject matter.

Additionally, UbD emphasizes the alignment of these objectives to broader program outcomes. This ensures that individual courses contribute meaningfully to the overall goals of the educational program, creating a coherent and integrated learning experience. By focusing on guaranteed outcomes, a concise list of big ideas, and alignment with program goals, UbD provides a structured and effective approach to curriculum design that promotes deep understanding and meaningful learning for all students.