What I Learned

Now that the semester is coming to a close I learned how to use the UbD method of development. I feel developing the New Teacher Training with a group of other educators was beneficial to go through the process of UbD and learning each phase of the design. As we worked through each stage, we were able to share our concerns, thoughts, and ultimately agreed upon method of design. This discussion was beneficial to learning the process.

Now that I have a firmer foundation of designing lessons and starting with the end, I design my own lessons differently. I always ask myself – so what? Why am I teaching them what I have planned? I used the UbD in designing a research paper unit. I’m in the middle of using it now and although it is different than I have taught in the past, I feel the students are more engaged and are learning more through each phase. They are responsible for more of their education; it is more student-centered rather than the teacher guiding them into each stage of the writing process.

Where do I go from here? Hopefully, in transitioning into the next phase of my career, I will be able to use the information I learned in this class in helping educators create lessons that follow UbD. Although I’m by no means an expert, this beginning knowledge of UbD will springboard learning more and more about it and hopefully, I will be able to share it with other professionals.