Synthesized Chptr 9 UbD/DI

Team 4(Ryan, Renee, Mackenzie, Aaron)
Write a brief abstract of the chapter.
This chapter in UbD/DI is about curriculum and instruction and “bringing it all together” to actually plan a unit. The authors start off by giving a quick review of UbD/DI and highlight some of the key points brought up in previous chapters including determining acceptable evidence and flexibility in instruction. Then for the next portion of the chapter they give an entire sample unit about eating healthy. They give examples of the performance tasks the students will be asked to complete, and highlight how the lesson was planned using backwards design. Within this example they also give a grading rubric designed for one of the performance tasks and show the actual outlines of “Stage 1” for each task. The authors then give another example of a differentiated, backwards designed unit “in action”. This included focusing on students in relation to desired results, carrying out and differentiating the lesson plan, and determining the success of the students. The authors then show an adjustment to an assignment that may have to be done within the course of a unit due to differentiation needs. Lastly, observable indicators in UbD/DI classrooms are discussed and there are four major things we as teachers can observe to make sure our classrooms are successful: the learning environment, the curriculum, the teacher, and the learners.

How did you connect to the reading and briefly reflect on your thoughts?
Mackenzie felt like the chapter finally wrapped up all the loose ends the book has talked about and made it all make sense. Aaron liked how the chapter gave a good example of all of the material coming together, showing us that all the stuff we have been doing will all come together just as well. Renee liked how the chapter emphasized integrating the two techniques in the classroom for an extremely effective learning environment. I personally liked the part f the chapter where the authors showed an example of adjusting on assignment to several different types of needs.