UbD Template

Unlocking the Power of Backward Design

Sonia Rodriguez - March 2, 2025

Two Powerful Frameworks for Designing Meaningful Learning Environments

Both Fink's 3-Column Table and the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework are instructional design models based on the principles of Backward Design, focusing on creating significant learning environments. Both are centered on identifying desired learning outcomes first and working backward to develop meaningful activities, but they differ in their structure and emphasis.

Fink's 3-Column Table

Fink’s model emphasizes the importance of teaching and learning activities, situational factors, and a holistic view of learning. It begins with establishing a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) that represents the overarching aim of the course. The framework includes three columns:

Fink's approach also takes into account situational factors, such as the learning environment and student characteristics. His Taxonomy of Significant Learning provides a helpful structure for considering various types of learning outcomes, including foundational knowledge, application, integration, human dimension, caring, and learning how to learn. This broad approach helps teachers develop a clear picture of what students should learn and how they will be assessed.  Take a look at my 3 Column Table.

Understanding by Design (UbD) Template

UbD, developed by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, provides a more granular approach to instructional planning. The UbD framework is structured around three stages (2005).

1. Identify Desired Results: Clarify what students should understand and be able to do by the end of the unit.

2. Determine Acceptable Evidence: Plan how to assess students’ mastery of the desired results.

3. Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction: Design learning experiences that will help students meet the desired outcomes.

UbD is highly focused on fostering true understanding and critical thinking, rather than just surface-level knowledge. The framework guides educators in designing coherent and purposeful learning experiences, ensuring that instruction is aligned with the goals and assessments. UbD encourages a focus on essential questions and provides a roadmap to ensure that every learning activity aligns with the desired outcomes.

Reflection of Course Design

The UbD template is ideal for designing unit-level plans, providing a detailed roadmap for ensuring that learning outcomes are clearly articulated and supported by meaningful assessments and instructional strategies. It’s particularly useful to plan for deep understanding.

In contrast, Fink’s 3-Column Table offers a broader, more holistic approach to course design. It’s excellent for framing a course-level vision, where the emphasis is on defining a BHAG and ensuring that the entire learning experience, including the learning environment and activities, aligns with the overarching goals. Fink’s model encourages reflection on the situational context of the learners, helping instructors tailor their approach to the students' needs.

How These Design Processes Contribute to My Ability to Design Learning Environments

Both design processes have greatly enhanced my ability to plan and design meaningful learning environments. I appreciate the granular approach of the UbD framework, which helps me focus on specific learning goals and ensures that my teaching strategies are aligned with the desired outcomes. This attention to detail has made me more intentional in designing assessments and activities that foster deeper learning.

However, Fink’s 3-Column Table offers a holistic perspective. I value the simplicity of the 3-Column Table and how it prompts me to reflect on all aspects of the learning experience, from setting a BHAG to planning assessments and activities. Fink’s framework is especially helpful for me in the initial stages of course planning, as it allows me to see the big picture and how all components of the course fit together.

Combining the Two Frameworks for My Innovation Plan

In my design process, I began with the 3-Column Table to define the BHAG, outline the learning goals, and determine how success will be measured. From there, I created the UbD template for detailed unit planning, where I can fine-tune my learning goals, assessments, and instructional strategies.

Using both frameworks together allows me to create significant learning environments by starting with a big-picture goal and then refining it to ensure every element of instruction aligns with the desired outcomes. This approach will be invaluable for my innovation plan, as it ensures that I design a course that is both strategically sound and flexible enough to meet the needs of diverse learners.

UbD Template

Online Blended Coaching Strategy

References