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Book Summary
Understanding by Design, Expanded 2nd Edition, by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, presents the backward design framework for curriculum planning. Teachers learn to identify desired results, determine acceptable evidence, and plan learning experiences. This expanded edition adds new templates, examples, and FAQs, making it an essential resource for educators seeking to align instruction with meaningful assessments and enduring understandings.
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About Understanding by Design, Expanded...
Understanding by Design, Expanded 2nd Edition, is a comprehensive guide to the backward design process developed by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe. The book argues that effective curriculum should begin with the end in mind: first identifying the big ideas and enduring understandings students should retain, then determining acceptable evidence of learning, and finally designing learning experiences and instruction. This expanded edition includes updated design templates, numerous classroom examples across grade levels and subjects, and a detailed FAQ section addressing common implementation challenges. Educators will find practical tools for crafting essential questions, developing performance tasks, and aligning assessments with instructional goals. The text emphasizes fostering transferable skills and deep comprehension rather than superficial coverage, making it a cornerstone for curriculum development, unit planning, and instructional coaching in K–12 and higher education settings.
Who should read Understanding by Design, Expanded...?
This book is essential for K–12 teachers, curriculum coordinators, instructional coaches, and school administrators who design units and assessments. It suits educators in higher education seeking to improve course design, as well as pre-service teachers learning curriculum planning. Professional development leaders and assessment specialists will find the backward design framework invaluable for aligning standards, instruction, and evaluation. Anyone responsible for creating meaningful learning experiences that promote deep understanding and transfer will benefit from this practical, research-informed guide.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Provides a clear, step-by-step backward design framework that is easy to follow and implement.
- ✓ Offers numerous practical templates, examples, and rubrics adaptable across grade levels and subjects.
- ✓ Emphasizes enduring understandings and transfer, promoting deeper learning over superficial coverage.
- ✓ Includes an expanded FAQ section that addresses common implementation challenges and misconceptions.
- ✓ Highly respected and widely used in curriculum development and teacher preparation programs.
Cons
- ✗ The dense theoretical language can be challenging for busy teachers seeking quick practical strategies.
- ✗ Some examples feel dated or overly focused on certain subject areas, requiring adaptation.
- ✗ The expanded edition may be redundant for those who already own the first edition.
- ✗ Implementation requires significant time and collaborative planning, which may be difficult in under-resourced schools.
- ✗ Critics argue the framework can be overly complex and may not suit all instructional contexts.
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Frequently asked questions
What is backward design?
Backward design is a curriculum planning approach that starts with identifying desired learning outcomes, then determines acceptable evidence of learning, and finally designs learning experiences and instruction. It prioritizes enduring understandings and transfer over activity-focused planning.
Is this book suitable for elementary teachers?
Yes, the principles and templates apply across all grade levels, including elementary. The book includes examples from various grade levels, though teachers may need to adapt some examples to their specific context.
How does the expanded 2nd edition differ from the 1st edition?
The expanded 2nd edition includes updated design templates, additional classroom examples, a new FAQ section, and refinements to the framework based on user feedback and further research.
Can this book help with standards alignment?
Absolutely. The backward design process is ideal for aligning curriculum with standards by first clarifying the desired results (including standards) and then building assessments and instruction around them.
Is this book useful for higher education faculty?
Yes, while examples focus on K–12, the backward design framework is widely used in higher education for course and program design to foster deep understanding and transferable skills.
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