Understanding by Design framework around theories

Introduction

This section provides a very brief introduction to Understanding by Design (UbD)? the conceptual framework used to design the examples of curriculum units included in this tool kit. You will learn more about Understanding by Design as you analyze and use the examples provided. Your knowledge and skill in the use of Understanding by Design will develop even more when you begin to use it to create curriculum units for use in your classroom? school? or district. As you practice the principles of Understanding by Design? you will learn how the process can result in powerful learning experiences for learners of all ages.

This section of the tool kit consists of four parts: a brief definition of Understanding by Design? a discussion of its conceptual framework? an explanation of the design process embodied in Understanding by Design? and a glossary of selected terms that you will encounter in this section and in the sample units contained in the tool kit. Taken together? these four parts are intended to:

• introduce you to the concept of Understanding by Design?

• help you understand why Understanding by Design is a powerful tool for educators?

• acquaint you with terminology you will encounter in Understanding by Design? and

• encourage you to begin using Understanding by Design to create curriculum units for your students.

Understanding by Design: What is it?

Understanding by Design is a conceptual framework? a design process? and a set of design standards? which have been used in the development of the sample units contained in this tool kit. It also offers a planning template that can be used as an aid in the design of curriculum? instruction? and assessment. This section will introduce you to the conceptual framework and to the design process. Additional information about Understanding by Design can be found in Wiggins and McTighe (1998) and in McTighe and Wiggins (1999). Current information about how Understanding by Design is being used by individuals and curriculum design teams can be found on the UbD web site at . The web site also contains several examples of social studies curriculum units designed for a variety of topics and grade levels.

Understanding by Design: A Conceptual Framework

Understanding by Design represents a way of thinking about the design of curriculum? instruction? and assessment and pulls together many ideas and processes that have been tested both through research and classroom use. Used independently? these ideas and processes are valuable. Used within the conceptual framework of Understanding by Design? these ideas and processes can result in a way of thinking about curriculum? instruction? and assessment that can give rise to powerful learning experiences that result in deeper understandings of facts? concepts? generalizations? principles? and other ideas contained in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Social Studies. While it takes some time and effort to learn this way of thinking? the investment is worthwhile as it will result in learning experiences that will engage learners and result in learners gaining more sophisticated insights and abilities ...