Thinking about designing or redesigning a course this summer? If so, you may want to consider using the backward design method. The Chronicle of Higher Education‘s ProfHacker has posted a summary of the backward design process based on Understanding by Design, Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe (available for checkout from the Kaneb Center library). As described in the ProfHacker post, backward design is accomplished in three steps; articulating desired student outcomes, identifying acceptable evidence for achievement of those outcomes, and designing learning experiences that will lead to successful completion of the course. As the post mentions, the backward design process facilitates reflection about the course and puts you in control of how it is conducted. Contact the Kaneb Center (631-9146) if you would like to borrow Understanding by Design or to arrange a course design consultation (Consultations are only available for courses that will be taught at Notre Dame).
