CETL FLC Backward Design
2013-2014 CETL FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
“BACKWARD DESIGN” TO HELP STUDENTS MOVE FORWARD
Description, Schedule and Application Form
Facilitator: Dr. Kate Pound, Atmospheric and Hydrologic Sciences, School of Computing,
Engineering & Environment, College of Science & Engineering.
Definition and Purpose:
Backward Design (or Backward Planning) is a process initially developed for use in the K-12
classroom and presented in the book “Understanding by Design” by Grant Wiggins and Jay
McTighe; it is the outcome of research centered around focusing students and teachers on
learning thereby combating student boredom, passivity, apathy, ability to rote memorize but
inability to apply knowledge.
The process is equally well employed to advantage in the College Classroom and has been
recommended by scholars for curriculum design and development, learner centered pedagogical
strategies such as collaborative learning and assessment.
Briefly, Backward Design is comprised of three stages: (1) The educator identifies the desired
results, i.e. what are the ‘enduring understandings’ that you want the students to retain? What
knowledge and skills should the students master? And, What is it worth the students being
familiar with? (2) The educator determines what acceptable evidence for those results having
been achieved is, and (3) The educator plans the learning experiences and instruction to meet the
goals you have set.
A good summary of Backward Design is available at: http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/teachingguides/pedagogical/understanding-by-design/.
The purpose of this FLC will be to:
 Explore the process of “Backward Design” through reading of explanatory articles,
examination and analysis of “Backward-Designed” material, using available
“Workbooks” and inviting experts.
 Provide a supportive and creative environment within which you will take an assignment,
lecture or entire course, and “design it backwards.”
 Evaluate improvements in teaching and student learning that result from the BackwardDesigned material or curriculum.
Commitments of members:
 Members will commit to meet with the group regularly according to a schedule: (Please
note: the schedule below has elements that are fixed and others that are flexible
depending upon the needs of the participants.). Please mark your calendars at the time of
application for those dates that are not changeable.
o Fall Convocation Orientation and Work Session – Thursday, August 22nd , 2013,
3:00-7:00 pm. (Mark your calendars!)
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CETL FLC Backward Design
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o Fall 2013 – Day time work sessions with food every three weeks: Times to be
determined. Tentative Dates: Weeks of September 9, September 30, October 21,
November 18, December 16.
o January Workshops FLC Lunch Retreat – Friday, January 10, 2014, 12:30-4:30
pm (Mark your calendars!)
o Spring 2014 - Day time work sessions with food every three weeks: Times to be
determined. Tentative Dates: Weeks of January 20, February 10, March 3, March
24, April 14, May 5.
Members will commit to taking their knowledge of Backward Design back to their
Departments and/or Colleges, and sharing their knowledge and the changes they have
implemented.
Members will present the results of their learning at the Fourth Teaching and Learning
Fair during Fall Convocation 2014.
Members will commit to completing the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Process
by presenting the results of their learning at a regional or national conference or submit
their results in the form of a publication in order to obtain the additional reward of
professional development funds of up to $800.
Rewards:
 A new energized sense of community with your peer group around work, learning and
food!
 A fresh start with one of your assignments, lectures or courses; a chance to remodel your
teaching!
 Recognition of your work as part of faculty evaluation, tenure, and promotion processes
and staff professional development processes. For faculty, FLCs are recognized in three
areas of the Articles 22 and 25 processes: Teaching, Research/Scholarship, and
Professional Development. Facilitators may also include FLC work as part of their
Service to the University and Community.
 Opportunity to collaborate with your peer group on a conference presentation or
publication.
 Additional professional development funds to share your scholarship with your
colleagues at a teaching and learning conference.
Note: Application form and signature page follows.
Review of Applications begins on April 15, 2013.
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CETL FLC Backward Design
2013-2014 CETL FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
“BACKWARD DESIGN” TO HELP STUDENTS MOVE FORWARD
APPLICATION FORM
Instructions: Applications may be filled out electronically and printed to obtain
signatures. Applications should be delivered to the Center for Excellence in Teaching and
Learning Office in Miller Center 310. Review of Applications begins on April 15, 2013.
The facilitators and the CETL Director will jointly select the participants from the applicant
pool. Criteria for selection will include: commitment to student learning, openness to new ideas,
level of interest in and seriousness of commitment to FLC participation, and potential for
contributions to the group. Please keep these criteria in mind as you complete the application.
Name:
Department:
College/School:
Campus Address:
Email Address:
Position:
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Faculty (Check one):
_____ Probationary
_____ Tenured, not fully promoted
_____ Tenured and fully promoted
_____ Permanent, non-tenured
_____ Fixed Term in 2013-2014
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Instructional Staff (Please fill in your title):
Title:
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Explain why you would like to participate in the FLC Initiative by addressing all of the following
questions. (Approximate word limit: 250 words per question.)
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What do you believe you can gain from participating in an interdisciplinary
Faculty and Professional Learning Community? How does that tie into your
professional development plan?
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What do you think you can contribute to the group?
CETL FLC Backward Design
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What questions or issues about Backward Design are you most interested in? (If
you have found or used research related to the issues or questions, please feel free
to cite the references.)
In which Spring 2014 course are you interested in implementing the ideas from
this experience?
CETL FLC Backward Design
2013-2014 CETL FACULTY AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
“BACKWARD DESIGN” TO HELP STUDENTS MOVE FORWARD
SIGNATURE PAGE
Applicant Signature
If I am selected as a participant in the Faculty and Professional Learning Community on
Backward Design I agree to participate fully in the FLC’s activities and fulfill all the
commitments.
Applicant’s Signature
__________________________________________
Name
Date
Department Chair/Director Signature
I endorse the above applicant’s participation in the Faculty and Professional Learning
Community on Backward Design and will support the implementation of the related curricular
and pedagogical work.
Signature of Applicant’s Department Chair/Director
__________________________________________
Name
Date
Dean/Supervisor Signature
I endorse the above applicant’s participation in the Faculty and Professional Learning
Community on Backward Design and will support the implementation of the related curricular
and pedagogical work.
Signature of Applicant’s Dean/Supervisor
_______________________________________________
Name
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Date