ASCD Poll: Integrating UbD and DI

In the ASCD Poll, we asked you to tell us which aspects of UbD and DI you're most comfortable using. If you haven't taken the poll yet, please vote now.

What is the most important benefit of integrating UbD and DI concepts and practices? Let us know by posting a comment.

Comments

[Peter A. Meade, Ph.D.]

As with most systems that include careful forethought and reasonable planning the pedagogic outcome will be beneficial. UbD, handled responsibly is a powerful tool to accomplish any pedagogic goal including DI.

[Cindi Karras]

UbD as well as DI are beneficial to the classroom, but not exclusively. Many other pedagogical practices are viable- they are best practices. As educators we must evaluate what is best for each group we instruct as well as what best suits our teaching styles. Integrated strategies, using UbD’s essential questions and backward lesson planning, with TCI’s notebooks, using the Cornell style notes, and word walls to “cement” concepts- even putting key information onto the screensavers of the classroom computers works together to create essential learning for our students.
C. Karras
Hanshaw Middle School
Modesto, Ca.

[patmatt]

Universal Design and Differentiating Instruction is really the only way that we can justly include all students in the same classroom. At the same time, I believe, that teachers need more support in solid cooperative learning practices. When I review my lesson plans I spend much of the time considering carefully my groupings and roles, in addition to other cooperative practices. When I first took a course in cooperative learning, the professor said that it takes five to seven years to become fluent in the practice. After five years of working on it, I find it has been one of the most productive practices in my classroom. Truely, Differentiate Instruction, Universal Design, and Cooperative Learning are respectful and invaluable in presenting learning so it can be embraced by all students.

[C. Law]

After perusing the book by Tomlinson and McTighe, I found a number of good suggestions. I was already using principles from Understanding by Design in developing units and lessons, although I am not a strict disciple. I am a classroom teacher member who joined ASCD because of the fine publications they put out.....I went to comprehensive membership because it was the best value for me, although as a classroom teacher, I don't fully get to benefit as much as I would in the interactive meetings......
This year I will implement some of the ideas on grouping in the development of my reading groups within the classroom.....
That is the key idea I am adding this year. If I were to describe my classroom, it would be based on traditional classroom approach with ideas from several of the theorists/methodists incorporated.....I try to add one new idea/concept each year. I learned many years ago that successful implementation can best be achieved by modifying what you already know how to do well. I would not say that my classroom looks like a differentiated classroom, but it has changed a lot the last few years.

Instruction is based on the Kansas state standards, which are outlined on the Curriculum Map suggested by Heidi Hayes Jacobs, with the unit and lesson structure suggested in Understanding by Design. As to differentiated methods, we do projects, research papers, and a number of in-class ren-enactments, simulations, and from time to time other things.

No I don't teach the way I used to, but I have not thrown out traditional techniques either, many of them are also incorporated within individual lesson plans......and students still have to respond to them in many of the learning environments they must function within.......

Combining Understanding by Design with Differentiated Instruction takes the ideas to a deeper level than either standing alone, but most importantly they come closer to being the information that makes the practitioner (translated classroom teacher) able to utilize all of it more fully.....

[Edgar Sanchez]

Kool....You Type good Things About Your Teaching!