What is backward design in education?

• A. Start with learning objectives and assessments
• B. Create resources first and then decide goals
• C. Focus on technology
• D. Avoid measurable outcomes

Answer: (A)

Backward design starts by deciding what students should be able to do and how you’ll know they’ve learned it. By identifying the desired results first and choosing assessments that provide clear evidence of those results, you set a concrete target for learning. Then you plan the instructional activities to build toward that target, ensuring everything aligns so what you teach and how you assess match the intended outcomes. This approach keeps the focus on meaningful learning rather than just piling on resources or flashy tools, and it avoids having no measurable criteria, which would make it hard to know if students have met the goals.