Backwards Design

Using Backwards Design was a new way of planning for me.  This year, we have a new math curriculum and I feel that I have not been able to fully grasp each unit as much as this one.  Before teaching this unit, I spent a lot of time planning and thinking about the end in mind.  Thinking about the end result helped me to teach with intention.  Before teaching the unit each day, I looked at the enduring understandings and essential questions that I wrote.  I had the essential questions posted and referred to them before each lesson.  Using the essential questions helped students make connections and have meaningful discussions.  Planning the assessments prior to teaching the unit was very beneficial.  It was a way for me to see what I wanted students to truly understand at the end of the unit.  This helped me to see what I really needed to teach for understanding and not just for exposure.  Prior to planning with Backwards Design, I did not think as much about the end in mind.  This way of planning helped me to teach with intention.   Backwards Design was a positive experience for me because it gave me a new perspective on planning and teaching.  This way of planning was positive for my students because it helped create meaningful connections.