Why The Understanding by Design Model Is Crucial for Effective Learning
As an educator, a key goal is to promote effective learning and ensure that students retain information long after the class has ended. However, this is often easier said than done, especially in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape. With so much information readily available to students, identifying the most important knowledge and skills can be a daunting task. Thankfully, the Understanding by Design (UbD) model provides a solution to this problem.
Understanding the UbD Model
UbD is a framework that helps educators design effective instruction and assessment. At its core, the UbD model focuses on three key stages: Identifying the desired results, determining acceptable evidence, and planning learning experiences and instruction. This model is based on the premise that effective design starts with the end in mind.
Benefits of the UbD Model
One of the significant benefits of the UbD model is that it helps educators prioritize what students should learn. By beginning with the end in mind, teachers can identify the specific knowledge and skills that their students should possess after completing a course or unit. Moreover, the UbD model ensures that the design of assessment measures explicitly aligns with the desired results. This, in turn, guarantees that students are assessed on the knowledge and skills that are most valuable in the discipline, which will help them succeed in the future.
Examples of How the UbD Model can be Applied
The UbD model can be applied in various educational settings and disciplines. For instance, in a science class, the desired result may be students’ ability to explain the process of photosynthesis. Evidence of this understanding may then be assessed through a lab report or presentation. To ensure that students understand the process fully, the teacher may plan a learning experience in which students interact with plants in a greenhouse, observing the plants as they take in sunlight.
Conclusion
Effective design is essential to promote effective learning. The UbD model offers educators a robust framework to ensure that instruction and assessment align with the desired outcomes. By beginning with the end in mind, educators can prioritize the most important knowledge and skills, promoting deeper understanding and retention of critical information. As such, the UbD model should be a crucial tool in any educator’s toolkit.
