Understanding By Design - Book reviews of Understanding By Design

'Understanding By Design' book reviews

Review for'Understanding By Design'

"Understanding By Design," authored by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, stands as a seminal text in the field of education, offering a comprehensive framework for curriculum planning known as "Backward Design." The book is a treasure trove for educators, curriculum developers, and instructional designers who seek to create meaningful and effective educational experiences. The authors' primary premise is that educators should start with the end in mind, focusing on the desired learning outcomes and then working backward to develop the curriculum and instructional activities. This approach is a significant departure from traditional methods that often begin with textbook content and activities, moving towards assessments later on.

The book is methodically structured into three parts: the rationale for backward design, the framework itself, and the application of the design in real-world settings. In the first part, Wiggins and McTighe lay a strong foundation for their argument by discussing the limitations of traditional educational planning and the advantages of a backward design approach. They convincingly argue that educators often get bogged down in covering content without ensuring that students truly understand and can apply what they've learned.

The second part of the book delves into the core framework of Understanding By Design (UbD). The authors introduce three stages of backward design: identifying desired results, determining acceptable evidence, and planning learning experiences and instruction. This section is particularly valuable because it breaks down each stage into manageable steps, providing clear guidelines and practical tools. For instance, the concept of "enduring understandings" is introduced, encouraging educators to focus on big ideas that have lasting value beyond the classroom. The authors also emphasize the importance of essential questions that stimulate thought and inquiry, making the learning process more engaging and meaningful for students.

The third part of the book is dedicated to the application of the UbD framework. Wiggins and McTighe provide numerous examples and case studies that illustrate how backward design can be implemented across various subjects and grade levels. This section is particularly beneficial for practitioners because it addresses common challenges and offers practical solutions. The authors also discuss the role of assessment in backward design, emphasizing the need for a variety of assessment methods to gauge student understanding effectively. They advocate for performance tasks that require students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, thus providing a more accurate measure of their understanding.

One of the book's strengths is its accessibility. Despite the complexity of the concepts discussed, Wiggins and McTighe write in a clear and engaging manner, making the book suitable for both novice and experienced educators. The inclusion of diagrams, templates, and checklists further enhances its utility as a practical resource. Additionally, the book is grounded in research and theory, yet it remains firmly focused on practical application, striking a balance that is often difficult to achieve.

In conclusion, "Understanding By Design" is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the field of education. Its backward design framework offers a refreshing and effective approach to curriculum planning that prioritizes student understanding and meaningful learning. Wiggins and McTighe have crafted a text that is both insightful and practical, making it a must-read for educators who are committed to improving their practice and enhancing student outcomes. Whether you are a teacher, curriculum developer, or educational leader, this book provides the tools and insights needed to transform your approach to curriculum design and instruction.

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