In backward design, which element is planned first?

In backward design, which element is planned first?

• A. The final exam date.
• B. The instructional activities.
• C. The desired outcomes.
• D. The assessment schedule.

Answer: (C)

In backward design, you start by identifying the outcomes you want students to achieve. These outcomes specify what students should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the unit. Once the desired results are clear, you plan assessments to show that students have met those outcomes, and then design the instructional activities that will lead them there. Scheduling the final exam or other logistics comes after you’ve defined the goals and how you’ll measure them, and the instructional activities are guided by those goals rather than chosen first.

In backward design, you start by identifying the outcomes you want students to achieve. These outcomes specify what students should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the unit. Once the desired results are clear, you plan assessments to show that students have met those outcomes, and then design the instructional activities that will lead them there. Scheduling the final exam or other logistics comes after you’ve defined the goals and how you’ll measure them, and the instructional activities are guided by those goals rather than chosen first.