Connections between Backward Design and Concept Based Instruction

After reading the concept based instruction and backward design articles, I have made the following connections.

1.     Essential Questions- Lessons are developed around an essential question and posted in the classroom.

2.   Idea Centered- Teachers begin with a big idea and plan lessons around that idea.  The unit is developed around an essential question.

3.   Collaboration- Both concepts focus on higher level thinking questioning for students.  Students engage in conversation and know that there is more than one answer.

4.   Connections – Students make connections from their prior knowledge to new knowledge and to their own lives.

5.   Motivation- Students are engaged in their learning.  Learning is relevant to their lives.

6.   Application- Students apply knowledge to real life situations and not just memorize facts and definitions.  Teachers teach for understanding of knowledge.