backwards design unit plan template

Lemon

3 min read

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31-01-2025

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Creating a truly effective unit plan requires more than just listing activities. Backwards design, a powerful pedagogical approach, flips the script, starting with the desired learning outcomes and working backward to plan assessments and activities. This template guides you through this process, ensuring your unit is engaging, rigorous, and aligned with your learning objectives.

I. Desired Results (What do you want students to know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the unit?)

This section forms the bedrock of your unit plan. Clearly articulate what students should achieve by the end. Be specific and measurable.

A. Overarching Goals: (Broad statements of what students will learn) Example: Students will understand the principles of democratic governance and their role as informed citizens.

B. Essential Questions: (Probing questions that drive inquiry and learning) Example: How does a democracy function effectively? What are my responsibilities as a citizen in a democratic society?

C. Learning Objectives: (Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound – SMART objectives) These should be broken down into smaller, manageable chunks.

• Example 1: Students will be able to define key terms related to democratic governance (e.g., suffrage, representative government, civic duty) with 90% accuracy on a vocabulary quiz.
• Example 2: Students will be able to analyze a case study of a democratic process, identifying challenges and solutions, in a well-structured essay.
• Example 3: Students will participate effectively in a class debate on a current political issue, demonstrating understanding of diverse perspectives.

II. Assessment Evidence (How will you know if students have achieved the desired results?)

This section details how you’ll measure student understanding and mastery of the learning objectives.

A. Performance Tasks: (Authentic assessments that require students to apply their knowledge and skills) Example: A mock election complete with campaign speeches, debates, and voter education materials.

B. Other Evidence: (Quizzes, tests, projects, observations, etc.) Example: A written exam testing knowledge of key terms and concepts; participation grades in class discussions and debates; a research paper exploring a specific aspect of democratic governance.

C. Assessment Criteria/Rubrics: (Clearly defined standards for evaluating student work) These should be shared with students upfront to ensure transparency and understanding. Example: A rubric detailing the grading criteria for the mock election, outlining expectations for campaign materials, debate performance, and voter education.

III. Learning Activities (What learning experiences and instructional strategies will enable students to achieve the desired results?)

This section outlines the lessons and activities that will help students reach the learning objectives. Consider a variety of instructional approaches to cater to diverse learning styles.

A. Engaging Activities: (Lessons, projects, discussions, simulations, games, etc.) Example: Guest speakers from local government; analysis of primary source documents; interactive online simulations of democratic processes.

B. Differentiation Strategies: (How will you adapt instruction to meet the needs of all learners?) Example: Providing different levels of support for students with varying reading levels; offering opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding in different ways (e.g., written reports, presentations, visual projects).

C. Sequencing: (The logical order of lessons and activities) This should be carefully planned to build upon prior knowledge and progressively challenge students.

IV. Resources and Materials (What resources and materials will be needed to support the learning activities?)

This section lists all necessary resources.

A. Print Materials: (Textbooks, handouts, articles, etc.)

B. Technology: (Software, websites, online resources, etc.)

C. Other Materials: (Supplies, equipment, guest speakers, etc.)

V. Unit Timeline (How long will each part of the unit take?)

Create a realistic timeline for completing the unit. Consider pacing and allow for flexibility.

This backwards design unit plan template provides a comprehensive framework for creating effective and engaging units of study. Remember to adapt it to your specific subject, grade level, and students' needs. By starting with the desired results and working backward, you'll ensure that your unit is well-structured, purposeful, and ultimately successful in helping your students achieve their learning goals.