Backward Design Model vs. Integrated Course Design

Attribute	Backward Design Model	Integrated Course Design
Focus	Starts with desired learning outcomes and works backwards to create assessments and activities	Focuses on integrating content, skills, and assessments throughout the course design process
Process	Identify learning goals, determine acceptable evidence, plan learning experiences	Integrates content, skills, and assessments from the beginning of the course design process
Flexibility	Allows for flexibility in determining how to achieve desired outcomes	Provides flexibility in how content, skills, and assessments are integrated
Alignment	Ensures alignment between learning outcomes, assessments, and activities	Emphasizes alignment between content, skills, and assessments

Introduction

When it comes to designing a curriculum, educators have a variety of models to choose from. Two popular approaches are the Backward Design Model and Integrated Course Design. Both models have their own unique attributes and benefits, which can impact the effectiveness of the curriculum. In this article, we will compare and contrast the attributes of these two models to help educators make informed decisions about which approach may be best for their specific needs.

Backward Design Model

The Backward Design Model, developed by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, is a curriculum planning approach that focuses on starting with the end goal in mind. This model emphasizes the importance of identifying desired learning outcomes and then working backwards to create instructional strategies and assessments that will help students achieve those outcomes. The three key stages of the Backward Design Model are identifying desired results, determining acceptable evidence, and planning learning experiences and instruction.

One of the main attributes of the Backward Design Model is its emphasis on clarity and alignment. By starting with the end goal in mind, educators can ensure that all aspects of the curriculum are aligned with the desired learning outcomes. This helps to create a coherent and focused curriculum that is more likely to lead to student success. Additionally, the Backward Design Model encourages educators to think critically about the purpose of their curriculum and how it will benefit students in the long run.

Another key attribute of the Backward Design Model is its focus on assessment. By determining acceptable evidence of learning at the outset of the curriculum design process, educators can create assessments that are directly aligned with the desired learning outcomes. This helps to ensure that students are being assessed on the skills and knowledge that are most important for their success. Additionally, the Backward Design Model encourages educators to use a variety of assessment methods to measure student learning effectively.

Integrated Course Design

Integrated Course Design is a curriculum planning approach that focuses on creating a cohesive and interconnected learning experience for students. This model emphasizes the integration of content, skills, and experiences across disciplines to help students make meaningful connections and develop a deeper understanding of the material. The key principles of Integrated Course Design include alignment, coherence, and relevance.

One of the main attributes of Integrated Course Design is its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. By integrating content and skills from multiple disciplines, educators can help students see the connections between different subject areas and understand how they relate to the real world. This can lead to a more holistic and meaningful learning experience for students, as they are able to see the relevance of their learning across different contexts.

Another key attribute of Integrated Course Design is its focus on active learning. This model encourages educators to design learning experiences that actively engage students in the material, such as through hands-on activities, group projects, and discussions. By actively involving students in the learning process, educators can help them develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of the material.

Comparing Attributes

While the Backward Design Model and Integrated Course Design have some differences in their approaches, they also share some common attributes. Both models emphasize the importance of alignment, coherence, and relevance in curriculum design. They both encourage educators to think critically about the purpose of their curriculum and how it will benefit students in the long run. Additionally, both models focus on creating meaningful learning experiences that engage students and help them develop important skills and knowledge.

• Both models prioritize student learning outcomes and focus on designing instruction that will help students achieve those outcomes.
• Both models encourage educators to use a variety of assessment methods to measure student learning effectively.
• Both models emphasize the importance of creating a coherent and focused curriculum that is aligned with desired learning outcomes.

However, there are also some key differences between the Backward Design Model and Integrated Course Design. The Backward Design Model starts with the end goal in mind and works backwards to create instructional strategies and assessments, while Integrated Course Design focuses on creating a cohesive and interconnected learning experience for students. The Backward Design Model places a strong emphasis on assessment, while Integrated Course Design focuses on interdisciplinary learning and active engagement.

Conclusion

Both the Backward Design Model and Integrated Course Design offer valuable approaches to curriculum planning that can benefit students in different ways. Educators should consider the unique attributes of each model and how they align with their specific goals and objectives when designing a curriculum. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, educators can make informed decisions that will lead to more effective and meaningful learning experiences for their students.