ed ps 6430 understanding by design

I just copy & paste what I post for discussion for future reference.

ed ps 6430 understanding by design

Q #1
In the current climate of cutbacks and budget shortages, it is feasible that educators will take time to use the UbD strategies? If they are inclined to try, would they be able to use this with every lesson plan? with a single unit? once a quarter?

Also, how does the process of backwards design compare and contrast with "teaching to the test?"

This is a good question. Since I'm kinda short of teaching experience compared with other classmates, personally speaking, I don't think it's feasible for the educators to apply UbD strategies all the time. Just like Matt mentioned about the "time constraints for lesson preparation" and keep students "on track". Especially, if you teach math, chemistry, a second language, etc. Most of the course content is knowledge level that needs the student to memorize hardly, no matter you are interested in them or not... "Teaching to Test" does not sound pretty, it's the fact sometimes. But it never hurts to give it a try once in a while or as many as needed.

I like the UbD Strategy. It looks systematic and thorough. It gives educators a very good reference or frame when they start to prepare lessons. However, I keep thinking that if all teachers use this strategy in their teachings, and every step is "programmed" to reach its final result, would students still be able to learn something outside the classroom?

"but, in the absence of a learning plan with clear goals, how likely is it that students will develop shared understandings on which future lessons might build? not very."  ----quoted from UbD