Understanding by Design (UbD), a framework created by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, emphasizes starting with the desired learning outcomes before planning instructional activities. This backward design process ensures that all elements of a unit—assessments, learning activities, and content—align to achieve specific, measurable learning goals. This post explores several UbD unit plan examples across different subject areas, showcasing the power of this framework.
What Makes a Strong UbD Unit Plan?
Before diving into examples, let's highlight the key components of a successful UbD unit plan:
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Stage 1: Identifying Desired Results: This stage focuses on defining what students should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the unit. This involves identifying essential questions, overarching understandings, and specific learning objectives. These should be clearly articulated and measurable.
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Stage 2: Determining Acceptable Evidence: This stage outlines how you will assess student learning. What assessments will demonstrate mastery of the desired results? This includes formative assessments (ongoing checks for understanding) and summative assessments (end-of-unit evaluations). Consider a variety of assessment methods to cater to different learning styles.
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Stage 3: Planning Learning Experiences and Instruction: This stage details the learning activities and instructional strategies that will help students achieve the desired results. Consider how these activities will engage students and promote deep understanding. This is where you select and sequence learning experiences, resources, and materials.
UbD Unit Plan Examples:
Here are a few examples illustrating the application of UbD across different subjects:
Example 1: High School English - The Great Gatsby
Stage 1: Desired Results
- Essential Questions: What is the American Dream? How do societal pressures shape individual identity? How does the past influence the present?
- Overarching Understandings: The American Dream is a complex and often elusive ideal. Social class and its implications significantly impact personal relationships and choices. The past profoundly shapes our present actions and perspectives.
- Learning Objectives: Students will be able to analyze character development, interpret symbolism, and write a well-supported essay analyzing a key theme in The Great Gatsby.
Stage 2: Acceptable Evidence
- Formative Assessments: Class discussions, in-class writing prompts, quizzes on vocabulary and plot points.
- Summative Assessments: A research paper analyzing a specific theme (e.g., the American Dream, social class, love and loss), a presentation analyzing a key character, or a creative project (e.g., a film adaptation scene).
Stage 3: Learning Experiences and Instruction
- Activities include close reading of the novel, group discussions, research on the historical context of the 1920s, and writing workshops.
Example 2: Elementary Science - The Water Cycle
Stage 1: Desired Results
- Essential Questions: Where does water come from? How does water move around the Earth? Why is water important for life?
- Overarching Understandings: The water cycle is a continuous process. Water is essential for all living things. Human activities can impact the water cycle.
- Learning Objectives: Students will be able to describe the stages of the water cycle and explain the importance of water conservation.
Stage 2: Acceptable Evidence
- Formative Assessments: Observation of student participation in experiments, informal questioning during lessons.
- Summative Assessments: A labeled diagram of the water cycle, a short written explanation of the water cycle, a creative project (e.g., a skit, a poster) demonstrating understanding of water conservation.
Stage 3: Learning Experiences and Instruction
- Activities include hands-on experiments (e.g., simulating evaporation and condensation), viewing videos and animations, reading age-appropriate texts, and group projects.
Example 3: Middle School History - The American Revolution
Stage 1: Desired Results
- Essential Questions: What were the causes of the American Revolution? What were the key events and turning points? What were the consequences of the Revolution?
- Overarching Understandings: The American Revolution was a complex event with multiple causes and consequences. Ideology played a significant role in shaping the conflict. The Revolution had a lasting impact on the United States and the world.
- Learning Objectives: Students will be able to identify the major causes of the American Revolution, describe key battles and figures, and explain the long-term effects of the war.
Stage 2: Acceptable Evidence
- Formative Assessments: Class discussions, quizzes, timelines.
- Summative Assessments: A research paper on a specific aspect of the Revolution, a presentation on a key figure, or a simulation of a key event.
Stage 3: Learning Experiences and Instruction
- Activities include primary source analysis, debates, map activities, and research projects.
These examples demonstrate how UbD can be adapted to various subjects and grade levels. The key is to begin with the end in mind—clearly defining the desired learning outcomes—and then designing assessments and learning experiences to align with those outcomes. Remember to always focus on deeper understanding and application of knowledge, rather than just memorization of facts.
