What is
Understanding By Design
Understanding by design (UBD) is a framework that is based on the idea that firstly, teaching should help students transfer their knowledge and secondly, professors should consider backward design to achieve this. Instructors should begin with defining standards for their course, then decide on transferable skills they want students to gain and determine assessment options. Next, instructors should consider creating a learning plan, differentiation options and additional resources to enhance student learning.
Understanding by design (UBD) helps students apply what they learn in a course to the real world, which deepens and enriches their learning experience. UBD is based on the principle of backward design and its three stages. The first stage is where instructors identify desired results: what skills should students master? The second stage is for determining acceptable evidence: what are some indicators that show students have achieved desired results? The final stage is for planning learning experiences: what activities will help students master the specific skills identified?