Forward Learning with Backward Design

Day , July 15, 2015

Rich Task

Today we discuss and undertake activities in Backward Design, Rich Tasks, and Problem Based Learning.  To illustrate the way I view the relationships of these topics I made up the following diagram:

        Backward design, for me, is an effective approach to planning lessons.  It means starting with the end in in mind.  Answering first the question “where are we going?” before working on the resources we need to get there.  Therefore, I start with the big idea which, in my experience as a beginning teacher, is  drawn from the curriculum overall and specific expectations.  Related to the expectations and big idea are the specific learning objectives.  Then, involving the students, I design the success criteria, which becomes the object of the assessment strategies.  All of these should be aligned to the big idea as I prepare the unit plan and the daily lessons.  Rich Tasks and Problem – Based Learning  provide an environment for teachers to develop active learners that are independent assertive constructors of their own understanding who challenge and reflect (Jennifer Piggot).

       Some of impressions and ideas and concept I understood from today’s discussions and activities:

• ·         Dan Meyer on backward design: we need to start the conversations to bring mathematics to those conversations
• ·         Dan Meyer: inject ambiguity in questions to evoke curiosity and encourage more questions and discussions
• ·         Dr. Marian Small:  in problem solving, encourage a lot of conversations.  Create divergence rather than convergence.  Contextual problems are routines.  Look for spin-offs.  Encourage creativity.  Promote arts first before the “math”.
• ·         Jo Boaler: Encourage students to work on the problem first, before teaching the “math”.  More on thinking and less calculations. There are available technologies to handle computations.
• ·         Ve Anusic on edutainment: bring in fun and creativity to stretch students’ attention span.  Sing and dance either during the class or while preparing for the class.