Backwards Design: A great way to move forward!

Summary

In this episode of 'Five Moore Minutes,' Shelley Moore explores the concept of curriculum design, comparing it to the self-help strategy of 'Backwards Design.' She explains the importance of understanding curriculum goals and organizing them effectively, using a flip book analogy to demonstrate how different goals (Content, Curricular Competency, and Core Competency) serve students' needs in diverse ways. Moore emphasizes that curriculum should be responsive to students, not linear, and encourages educators to choose relevant goals, plan with multiple pathways, and share the plan with students and families.

Takeaways

• 😀 Curriculum is not just about the content; it's about understanding how the goals are organized to guide effective teaching.
• 😀 Backwards Design is a strategy that starts with the end goal in mind and creates a flexible plan to achieve it.
• 😀 Knowing the goal and planning ahead increases the chances of success in both education and life.
• 😀 There are multiple ways to achieve the same goal, and curriculum should be responsive to individual students' needs.
• 😀 A linear approach to curriculum can limit student potential, while a flexible, responsive model can better meet diverse needs.
• 😀 The traditional idea of curriculum as a strict, linear binder (starting at page 1) is outdated and limiting.
• 😀 Imagine curriculum as a 'flip book'—the structure is the same for everyone, but the way it's read can change based on the needs of the students.
• 😀 In British Columbia, curriculum has three types of goals: Content Goals (knowledge), Curricular Competency Goals (skills), and Core Competency Goals (personal development).
• 😀 These three types of goals should be organized around a big idea, guiding students toward understanding and personal growth.
• 😀 Teachers should choose goals based on their students' needs, plan flexible pathways to meet these goals, and share the plan with students and families for transparency and engagement.

Q & A

What is the main concept discussed in the video?

The video discusses the concept of curriculum design, particularly through the lens of Backwards Design. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the curriculum's goals and organizing them in a responsive way to meet the needs of students.

What is the Backwards Design strategy mentioned in the video?

Backwards Design is a strategy where you start by defining the end goals and then plan the necessary steps to achieve those goals. It suggests that having a clear vision of the desired outcome and planning for it increases the likelihood of success.

How is the curriculum model compared to a self-help book?

The curriculum model is compared to a self-help book, where instead of simply following a linear path (like starting from the first page and going to the next), it is described as a flip book. This means the curriculum can be interpreted and used in different ways, depending on the needs of the student.

What are the three types of goals in the British Columbia curriculum?

The three types of goals in the British Columbia curriculum are Content Goals (knowledge-based), Curricular Competency Goals (skills and processes), and Core Competency Goals (cross-curricular goals aimed at developing well-rounded individuals).

What is meant by the curriculum being a 'flip book'?

The 'flip book' metaphor suggests that while the curriculum itself is the same for everyone, the way it is approached and interpreted can vary depending on the student’s needs and strengths. This flexibility makes it more responsive and adaptable.

What role do goals play in the Backwards Design process?

In the Backwards Design process, goals are crucial because they define the intended outcomes of a unit or lesson. Educators then plan pathways to help students achieve these goals, which might look different for each student.

Why is it important to understand how curriculum goals are organized?

Understanding how curriculum goals are organized helps educators plan more effectively. It allows them to structure their teaching in a way that aligns with the desired learning outcomes and supports students in reaching these outcomes in diverse ways.

How does the Backwards Design process align with the video’s message about responsiveness in teaching?

The Backwards Design process aligns with the video’s message by promoting a flexible and responsive approach to teaching. By setting clear goals first and then planning adaptable pathways to achieve them, the process encourages educators to meet the unique needs of all students.

What advice does the video give to educators regarding curriculum and planning?

The video advises educators to select goals that reflect the specific needs of their students, create multiple pathways for achieving those goals, and share these goals with students and their families to ensure everyone understands the plan and the purpose of learning.

How can teachers make their curriculum more responsive to students?

Teachers can make their curriculum more responsive by considering different pathways to meet the same goals, taking into account each student’s strengths and challenges. They should also use flexible planning that allows for adjustments based on how students are progressing.