UbD Design

Throughout the design of my program as implemented through my innovation plan and the significant learning environments that will be essential to its success, I have had to consider many perspectives, research extensively, and plan thoroughly through multiple iterations. Two methods I have utilized include Fink’s 3 Column Table and the UbD template. When comparing the two, they both serve their purpose of providing course structure and organization well. With both, the designer is able to consider a multitude of variables and offer customization and differentiation as needed (Fink, 2005; Wiggins, 2005).

While both designs feature primary goals, the 3 Column Table requires one measurable, overarching goal and various, more focused goals within each phase. On the contrary, UbD can feature multiple overarching goals and measurement is primarily a focus of Stage 2. Though both designs focus on the learner, the 3 Column Table caters to the human connection between the educator/facilitators and the students while the UbD process tends to focus more on various student needs and preferences. Neither design process is necessarily better than the other. For the cultivation of a significant learning environment, the implementation of both in various facets of design would lead to the best possible outcome.

It will be through continuously self-improvement by failing forward, receiving and incorporating feedback that I will evolve my program and move it closer and closer towards something remarkable. This process of analyzing and designing with various methods has helped me pin point various great aspects and areas of improvement of my initial design, and the changes I have made have already made all the difference with my collaborators. I look forward to continuously learning and growing in this process.

References

Chapman, G. D., & White, P. (2021). The 5 languages of appreciation in the workplace. Woodslane Press.

Chapman, G., & White, P. (n.d.). The languages of appreciation quiz – img1.wsimg.com. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/a0310559-a281-42b3-b07f-42529301ff8d/downloads/languages_of_appreciation_quiz.pdf?ver=1671397699940

Duckworth, A. (2013). Grit: the power of passion and perseverance. Retrieve fro: https://youtu.be/H14bBuluwB8

Fink, L. D., PhD. (2005). A self-directed guide to designing courses for significant learning. Retrieved from https://luonline.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-3042999-dt-content-rid-30108308_1/courses/13583.201810/Self-Directed%20Guide%20to%20Course%20Design%20-%20Fink%20Summary.pdf

Harapnuik, D. (2015, August 15). Connecting the dots vs. collecting the dots. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=85XpexQy68g

Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.