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Farrel's "Backwards Model"

Farrel's "Backwards Model"

 

Farrel's Backwards Planning Model is a framework I have partially incorporated into my lesson planning. While I don’t always start with clearly defined end goals in mind, I do structure my lessons around guided notes taken from the textbook, which include key information students need to understand for the assessment. During instruction, I reinforce learning by reviewing and correcting these notes with the class. This is assessment focused lesson planning, but not completely aligned with Farrel's model.

Farrel’s Backwards Model supports alignment between the written curriculum, taught curriculum, and assessment by delivering content to students through multiple formats—pre-reading, guided notes, and lecture—before being assessed. The assessment questions align with the guided notes, which reflect the core concepts from the curriculum. This model reinforces consistency between what is planned (written curriculum), what is delivered (taught curriculum), and what is measured (assessment).

I plan to evaluate classroom culture and teaching effectiveness by closely monitoring student comprehension and consistent performance. This includes reviewing the completion and accuracy of guided notes as a check for understanding, observing student participation and engagement during class discussions, and analyzing assessment results to ensure they reflect mastery of the content taught.

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