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Understanding by Design

 

Both the 3 Column Table designed by Fink and the Understanding by Design Template created by Wiggins and McTighe are tools used to create learning opportunities for students through thoughtful and carefully planned activities.  Both models emphasize the significance of defining learning outcomes as a starting point for effective instructional planning. When creating both my 3 Column table and my UbD template I referenced my BHAG and devised my plans from there. 

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Fink's three columns focus on learning goals and learning activities and assessment activities, providing a thorough examination of the learning environment. In contrast, however, the UbD Template, which is structured across three stages—Identify Desired Results, Determine Acceptable Evidence, and Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction—places a specific emphasis on understanding, essential questions, and assessment criteria. UbD uses a backwards design that is more specific and in depth than Fink’s 3 Column table. While both models stress the importance of assessments aligned with learning outcomes, UbD explicitly outlines assessment criteria in its second stage. Despite these differences, both models serve as valuable tools for educators seeking to design coherent and purposeful curriculum frameworks.

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When considering my innovation plan, both frameworks have helped me further my understanding, development and implementation of my BHAG.  Using the 3 Column Table helped me to get an overview of what I wanted to do and how to do it, while the UbD template helped me delve deeper into the purpose behind my goal.  While both templates have been instrumental in the development of my plan, I prefer the 3 Column table as a quick reference that I can use when looking at the day-to-day plans.  However, I see the benefits to the UbD when wanting to plan a unit in its entirety.  Going forward, I will consider both frameworks as I continue to plan and implement new things into my innovation plan as both have helped deepen an understanding to my innovation plan and helped guide me into a more specific direction than I originally had planned.  Because of these two templates, I am more aware of the purpose behind my goals and how I am going to get where I want to go.

UbD Template

References

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Fink, L. D. (2003). A self-directed guide to designing courses for significant learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

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

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