Overview of the Understanding by Design (UbD) Model
The Understanding by Design (UbD) is an instructional design framework that focuses on planning learning experiences by starting with the end goals in mind. Instead of beginning with activities, the model emphasizes what learners should ultimately understand and be able to do.
UbD is structured into three main stages:
1. Identify Desired Results
The designer defines the learning goals, this includes determining what learners should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the course. It also involves identifying big ideas or key takeaways and essential questions that guide deeper understanding.
2. Determine Acceptable Evidence
Here, the focus shifts to assessment, and the designer decides how learners will demonstrate their understanding. It includes performance tasks, projects, or other forms of assessment that align with the learning goals established in Stage one.
3. Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction
Finally, instructional activities and learning experiences are developed, and these are intentionally designed to prepare learners to succeed on the assessments and achieve the desired results.
Implications of the UbD Model for Instructional Design
It promotes intentionality and alignment by starting with outcomes and assessments; all instructional activities are purposefully aligned with learning goals, reducing the risk of irrelevant or unaligned content.
It also emphasizes deep understanding over surface-level learning; instead of focusing on rote memorization, UbD encourages designers to create experiences that help learners apply knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts.
It also supports learner-centered design; designers must consider what meaningful learning looks like from the learner’s perspective and how they can demonstrate understanding in authentic ways.
Strengths and limitations of the UbD Model on my minicourse
The Understanding by Design (UbD) Model offers several strengths when applied to my minicourse on designing a user-friendly app prototype. One major strength is its focus on backward design, which means clearly defining what a successful app prototype should demonstrate (e.g., usability, functionality, and user-centered design) and then designing tasks and tutorials that guide learners toward achieving those outcomes. It ensures that all course components are aligned and purposeful, which is especially important in this practical, skills-based course.
Another strength of the UbD model is its emphasis on authentic assessment. In my minicourse, learners are not just consuming content but actively building a working prototype, which aligns well with UbD’s focus on performance-based tasks, allowing learners to demonstrate their understanding through real-world application.
Limitations
However, the UbD model also presents some limitations in this context. Its strong focus on outcomes and assessments may underemphasize the step-by-step process needed for beginners learning technical skills like app prototyping. Since my course is a “how-to” and highly practical, learners may require more scaffolded guidance and iterative practice, which UbD does not explicitly detail. Additionally, designing backward from complex outcomes can be challenging when learners have varying levels of prior experience, making it harder to create a one-size-fits-all pathway.
The model may also be less flexible in fast-paced or agile design environments, such as app development, where continuous experimentation and iteration are key. For example, learners may need to quickly test and modify their prototypes, which may not always align with a strictly pre-defined outcome structure.
References
ASCD. (2015, September 29). 7 key tenets of Understanding by Design® Framework infographic. E-Learning Infographics. https://elearninginfographics.com/7-key-tenets-understanding-design-framework-infographic/#google_vignette
McTighe & Associates Consulting. (n.d.). Resources. https://jaymctighe.com/resources/#1521225059546-51d65de1-41c2
Poston, L. (2016, November 1). UbD stage 1 final [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5WR8yXB1GI&t=10s
Poston, L. (n.d.). UBD Stage #2: Assessments. LTP Creative Design, LLC. https://ltpcreativedesignllc.com/2020/02/21/understanding-by-design-stage-2/