Understanding by desing template

{2314D3F6-B15C-4B4E-AF52-108519902541}.png

Educators aim to create meaningful learning environments that promote student growth and comfort. In this course, I've explored two effective frameworks for setting and achieving learning goals: Fink 's 3-column table and the Understanding by Design (UbD) template. Both methods offer distinct benefits and can be used together to enhance learning outcomes.

Fink's three-column table emphasizes long-term, big-picture goals, helping us define what we want students to accomplish by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the UbD template, as detailed by McTighe and Wiggins (2005), is a structured, three-stage process that aligns well with educational standards like the Kindergarten Guidelines or TEKS, making it ideal for setting clear, unit-level goals.

By combining these approaches, we can use Fink's table to set our overarching goals and UbD to plan out specific units. Fink (2003) highlights that effective teaching involves two key aspects: course design and teacher-student interaction. Mastering both is essential for creating authentic, engaging learning experiences.

Utilizing the strengths of Fink's and UbD's frameworks enables us to design goal-driven and adaptable courses, ensuring a more prosperous, dynamic learning environment for our students.

This version is more concise while maintaining a strong focus on the complementary nature of the two models and their practical applications,

3-column table vs. UbD Template

{E2B6953F-0AD6-412E-98B1-613B1E782FD9}.png

I'm excited to share my unit plan for the first unit I'll be teaching this year to my Dual Language students. The central theme of this unit is exploring the various activities across Cleveland, Texas. This unit is structured using the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework developed by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, ensuring a purposeful and well-aligned learning experience."

BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) establishes a strong foundation for English language proficiency, enabling students to achieve greater success rates through a blended learning environment using the station rotation model.

DOWNLOAD

{A8912D32-6FFC-47A8-BE53-B142456EC887}.png

References

Fink, L. (2003). A Self-Directed Guide to Designing Courses for Significant Learning Designing Courses for Significant Learning. https://www.bu.edu/sph/files/2014/03/www.deefinkandassociates.com_GuidetoCourseDesignAug05.pdf.

Roth, D. (2007). Understanding by Design: A Framework for Effecting Curricular Development and AssessmentReview of: Understanding by Design by WigginsG., McTigheJ. 2nd ed.2006 Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Alexandria, VA 0-13-195084-3 Retail price: $33.00. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 6(2), 95–97. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.07-03-0012.

Texas Education Agency. (2022). 2022 Texas Kindergarten Guidelines.

Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by Design (expanded second ed.). Alexandria, Virginia: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.