Backward Design in PBL
This episode focuses on how administrators can use backward design to effectively implement Project Based Learning (PBL). Host Ryan Steuer uses the analogy of "fixer-upper" shows to illustrate the concept of starting with the end in mind and working backward to achieve that vision.
Key Takeaways:
Backward design is essential for successful PBL implementation. Administrators must model backward design for teachers, who will then model it for their students. Transparency and metacognition are key components of effective backward design modeling.
Main Topics Covered:
- Understanding Backwards Design: Ryan emphasizes that just like in home renovation, starting with the desired outcome and working backwards ensures a cohesive and successful project. This applies to administrators developing PBL in their schools.
- Three Modeling Opportunities for Administrators:
- Modeling Backwards Design for School Vision: Administrators should model backward design to achieve their original vision for the school. Utilize tools like a Profile of a Graduate to define the desired skills and knowledge students should have upon graduating. Determine where these skills are being developed in the current curriculum and identify areas for enhancement. Use a Model Schools Rubric to compare your school's PBL implementation to a model school and identify areas for improvement.
- Modeling Backwards Design for Assessment: Administrators should guide teachers in planning their assessments using backward design. Help teachers identify power standards and decide how they will be assessed. Work with teachers to map assessments to specific milestones within the PBL unit. Emphasize high and tight assessment practices to ensure student growth and rigorous content coverage. Connect assessment traits back to the desired traits identified in the Profile of a Graduate.
- Modeling Backwards Design Through Transparency: Administrators should be transparent with their backward design process in PLCs and staff meetings. Clearly demonstrate the connection between power standards, assessments, and classroom practices. Show how the overall school vision is reflected in faculty meetings, professional development, and PLCs. Consistently model backward design for teachers, who will then model it for their students.
- Benefits of Backwards Design for Students: Modeling backward design is crucial for student success, helping them develop the essential life skill of working backwards from a desired outcome to determine the steps needed to achieve it.
- Metacognition and Transparency: Administrators should be transparent about their thought process while modeling backward design and use metacognition to explain their reasoning. This helps teachers understand the "why" behind the process.
- Three Ways to Implement Backwards Design in PBL: Start with the school's vision, Profile of a Graduate, or Model Schools Rubric. Support teachers in planning their assessments by connecting them to power standards and milestones. Maintain transparency and consistently model the backward design process in meetings and PLCs.
Resource:
PBL Simplified YouTube Series for Administrators
Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com
