What does the term "backward design" in curriculum planning refer to?

The term "backward design" in curriculum planning refers to a method that begins with desired outcomes. This approach emphasizes the importance of identifying what students should know and be able to do by the end of a unit or course before planning the instructional activities and assessments. By starting with the end goals, educators ensure that their lessons are aligned with these outcomes, ultimately leading to a more focused and effective learning experience for students.

This process typically involves three main stages: identifying the desired results, determining acceptable evidence to demonstrate learning, and planning learning experiences and instruction. By focusing on outcomes first, educators can create a cohesive curriculum that systematically guides students toward achieving those goals.

The other choices do not align with the principles of backward design. For example, starting with lesson implementation or engaging in random lesson planning fails to prioritize end goals and can lead to a disjointed curriculum. Traditional curriculum planning methods may not necessarily take the outcomes into account in the same systematic way.