Episode 38

full
Published on:

4th Sep 2024

Backwards Planning: Creating Great Digital Learning Activities by Developing the Final Product First!

In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Manser discuss the concept of backwards design in lesson planning. They emphasize the importance of starting with the end goal in mind and aligning lessons with standards and assessments. They also discuss the need for clear and measurable goals, as well as the importance of gathering evidence of student learning. The hosts provide tips for managing the content and instruction, and stress the value of staying organized and pacing oneself throughout the school year. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today!

Digital Learning Tip of the Week

Tip # When planning out long term lessons and projects, consider using Backwards Design to make sure that all of your learning goals and standards are met. To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

In This Episode …

  • How to accomplish Backwards Design
    • Identify the desired ending results
      • What standards are you looking to master
      • Setting clear achievable, and measurable goals
      • What skills are needed?
      • What projects will help you get to your destination
      • What do students need to know before the lesson starts
      • What do you want them to be able to do at the end of the lesson or unit
      • How can this be achieved by student centered learning with active use of technology
    • Gather Evidence of Learning
      • Develop a final project or assessment
      • Exit and Intro Tickets
      • Progress Assessments
    • Design Content for Instruction
      • Select your teaching methods
        • Teaching Centered vs Student Centered learning
        • Demonstration vs lecture vs peer discussion (for example)
      • Develop dynamic instructional activities to help students interact with the course material so that they are fully engaged in the content

Conversation Takeaways

  • Start with the end goal in mind and align lessons with standards and assessments
  • Set clear and measurable goals for student learning
  • Gather evidence of student learning to track progress
  • Manage content and instruction by focusing on meaningful and purposeful activities
  • Stay organized and pace yourself throughout the school year

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Overview
  • 04:24 Backwards Design: Starting with the End Goal in Mind
  • 09:10 Setting Clear and Measurable Goals for Student Learning
  • 16:00 Gathering Evidence of Student Learning
  • 20:36 Managing Content and Instruction: Focusing on Meaningful Activities
  • 23:50 Staying Organized and Pacing Yourself Throughout the School Year

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About the Podcast

Digital Learning Today
From Strategic Vision to System-Wide Impact
How do we lead sustainable change in our schools? Digital Learning Today, hosted by Jeff Bradbury, explores the big-picture ideas and strategic systems that shape the future of education. This podcast is for the forward-thinking leader—the principal, district administrator, or instructional coach focused on systemic growth. Each episode dives into topics like digital learning leadership, school improvement plans, and building a culture of innovation. Subscribe to join the conversation on designing the high-impact schools of tomorrow.
Whether you're looking to enhance student engagement, master new educational tools, or build stronger classroom relationships, our show provides the actionable advice you need to succeed in today's digital learning environment. Join us weekly for professional development that's both inspiring and immediately applicable.

About your host

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Jeffrey Bradbury

Jeff Bradbury is a globally-recognized educator, educational broadcaster, public speaker, and entrepreneur whose powerful message has inspired thousands of educators through the TeacherCast Educational Network.