As noted in Northwestern University Principles of Inclusive Teaching, backward design is a straightforward, adaptable, and foundational framework that aligns your course learning goals, activities, and assessments. This framework starts by inviting you as the instructor to focus on your ultimate goal—increasing knowledge and competencies. You ask yourself what you want your students in this course to gain/learn/experience, instead of asking yourself what content you want to cover in this course this term? Backward design is well supported by learning theory and has been shown to increase desired learning outcomes. Backward design invites course instructors to slow the course development process in the beginning stages, and to intentionally consider the methods, course content, strategies, and, most important, their students. This intentional approach to course development can help instructors to communicate course expectations and enhance learning for all students.
Download the MSHE Course Backward Design Template.
If you have any questions, Chris Neary is happy to help you plan with the backward design method.