Understanding By Design Presentation

1. Understanding by
Design
by Grant Wiggins & Jay McTighe
Dianne Pappafotopoulos, K-12 Technology Specialist
Dover – Sherborn Public Schools

2. Overview of UbD
UbD is a way of thinking purposefully about curricular planning
The end goal is understanding and the ability to transfer
learning
Evidence of understanding is revealed through performance
Educators are coaches of understanding, not purveyors of
content or activity
Planning is done “backward” from the desired result (goal)
UbD transforms Content Standards and other goals into focused
learning targets based on “big ideas” and transfer tasks
Design Standards guide self-assessment and peer reviews of
curriculum, instruction, and assessment for quality control
UbD reflects a “continuous improvement” approach to design
and learning.

3. “If you ask a student
why they are learning
something, they should
understand why, what
they need to know, and
why it is important to
know.”
Grant Wiggins Interview

4. What is the UbD
Template?
UbD template is designed in 3 stages:
Stage 1: Desired Results (Established Goals / Understandings/Essential
Questions)
Stage 2: Assessment Evidence (Performance Tasks/Other Evidence)
Stage 3: Learning Plan (Learning Activities/Lesson Plans

5. UbD Template
Stage 1 – Desired Results
Established Goal (s): What relevant goals (i.e. Content Standards, Course or Program
Objectives, Learning Outcomes etc.) will this design address?
Understandings (s):
Students will understand that….
•What are the big ideas?
•What specific understandings about
them are desired?
•What misunderstandings are
predictable?
Transfer:
How can I transfer the skills and
learning to real-life situations?
Essential Question (s):
What provocative questions will
foster inquiry, understanding, and
transfer of learning?

6. UbD Template
Stage 2 - Assessment Evidence
Performance Task (s):
• Through what authentic
performance tasks will students
demonstrate the desired
understanding?
• By what criteria will “performances
of understanding” be judged?
Other Evidence:
• Through what other evidence
(i.e. quizzes, tests, academic
prompts, homework, journals,
etc.) will students demonstrate
achievement of the desired
result?
• How will students reflect upon
and self-assess their learning?

7. UbD Template
Stage 3 - Learning Plan
Learning Activities should…….
W help the student to know where the unit is going and what is expected
H hook all students and hold their interest
E equip students, help them experience key ideas and explore issues
R provide opportunities to rethink and revise their understanding and work
E allow students to evaluate their work and its implications
T be tailored to meet different needs, interests and abilities of learners
O be organized to maximize initial and sustained engagement and effective
learning

8. UbD Resources
Wiggins & McTighe UbD Overview