What does 'backward design' in lesson planning involve?

Backward design in lesson planning is an approach that emphasizes starting with the end goals in mind. In this method, educators identify specific learning outcomes that they want their students to achieve before designing the instructional activities and assessments. This ensures that all components of the lesson are aligned with those desired results, leading to a more focused and effective educational experience.

By beginning with the desired outcomes, teachers can create assessments that measure whether students have reached those goals and develop instructional strategies that support student learning along the way. This contrasts sharply with planning lessons without a clear endpoint, as it can lead to disjointed activities that do not cohesively build toward achieving the set learning objectives.

Thus, backward design ensures that every aspect of the lesson is intentional and contributes to student success, making it a foundational practice in effective lesson planning.