What it is
Backward design (also called Understanding by Design, or UbD) is a planning approach that flips the usual order: teachers start by defining what students should ultimately understand and be able to do, then design the assessments and activities to get them there. It’s a way of ensuring lessons aim at real understanding, not just “covering” content.
How it works
It works in three stages:
- 1. Identify desired resultsWhat should students understand and be able to do by the end?
- 2. Determine acceptable evidenceHow will we know they got there? (Design the assessment first)
- 3. Plan learning experiencesOnly then design the activities and lessons to reach the goal
Who it's for
This is primarily a teacher planning approach, but it explains a lot about good teaching: when a class has a clear destination and every activity connects to it, learning is more coherent. It aims for transferable understanding — knowledge students can use in new situations.
Why it matters
Advocates cite focus and coherence — less “activity for activity’s sake,” more purposeful learning. It works with almost any teaching method.
Frequently asked questions
- What is backward design?Planning from the end goals backward to assessments and activities.
- Why “backward”?You start with the destination, not the activities.
- Is it a method or a framework?A planning framework that shapes how any method is used.
Key facts
- CoreStart with end goals
- OrderGoals–Assessment–Activities
- AimTransferable understanding
- a.k.a.Understanding by Design
Where to learn more
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