Chapter 3

In this chapter I learned about the backward design process. It says to first consider the big picture by considering goals, examining content standards, and reviewing curriculum expectations. The next thing to do is to narrow it down by considering in advance the assessment evidence that is needed to document the targeted learning has been achieved. The final step in the process is to completely narrow down what you are doing. In the last step, as the teacher you figure out what instructional activities are the most appropriate. The big thing that this design plan provides is the structure to support flexibility in teaching and assessments while honoring the integrity of the content but also respecting the individuality of the students learning processes. This impacts me in a big way. Since I will have to write lesson plans and the plan for a unit, I have a way of doing so that will first make sure that I have reached the content standards and curriculum expectations. Using this process I can look at the big picture first and then begin breaking the unit into parts. This process will make it easier to see where I am headed before I plan a lesson or unit instead of planning a lesson and not knowing where I am going with it or if it meets the curriculum or content standards. This method of making lesson plans will majorly impact my classroom because I can teach the curriculum and satisfy the standards while satisfying each student’s individual learning process and style.