Aligning Outcomes, Assessment, and Activities

Establishing a meaningful learning atmosphere involves prioritizing specific unit outcomes, activities, and assessments. For educators to achieve significant learning environments, it is crucial to align outcomes, activities, and assessments across foundational knowledge, application, integration, human dimension, caring, and learning how to learn (Fink, 2003). Essentially, genuine learning settings promote connections and context-based learning, shifting the focus from material memorization to educating lifelong learners.

Following Fink's taxonomy, Ms. Johnston devised a second-grade language art program plan. The goal is for children to improve their language comprehension and writing composition skills over two semesters.

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Beginning with the Big Hairy Audacious Goal, Ms. Johnston mapped a unit plan using backward design. She created a plan that aligned with her proposal Digital Writing Journals . This method kept the end aim in mind, allowing Ms. Johnston to align all outcomes, activities, and assessments to form a cohesive unit with clear objectives, generating a learner-centered and engaging environment for her students.