Models of Learning: goal-based design

 Models of Learning

1.    1.  The “goal-based design” and the “Design-Down, Deliver-Up” Models of learning both start with the end goal in mind. These models begin by identifying the standards the students need to master and then build teachings, assignments and assessments that will help students acquire the knowledge necessary to understand the objectives well.

 These learning models support curriculum alignment by ensuring that learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessments are connected. Curriculum and instruction are built around learning goals. This model focuses on starting instruction at the students’ current level of understanding, allowing educators to support individual learning needs while still working toward the identified standards goals. By aligning every aspect of instruction with clearly defined outcomes, educators are able to maintain consistency and coherence throughout the learning process. This assures purposeful teaching and that students are progressing toward the same academic expectations, even if they begin at different levels.

 

2.    2.  If I were creating a yearly planning guide, I would begin by clearly identifying the learning objectives aligned with state standards for each unit or objective. I would then create assessments that measure students’ progress toward those objectives, as well as ensuring that activities, assignments and evaluations have a clear purpose. Assignments and activities would directly relate with information they will need to understand to reach the learning objective. I would use both formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments would be used daily in the form of exit tickets. Other types of formative assessments, such as quizzes or assignments would be used at least once per week. Summative assessments would be used at the end of each unit in the form of a unit test.

In my current classroom, the sixth grade students have a test about every five weeks. Both grades that I teach have an end of the semester test that encompasses all learning goals from that semester, along with a fun end-of-the-year project that allows them to demonstrate what they have learned thought out the year. This ensures alignment between objectives and assessment while allowing flexibility to meet the diverse needs and strengths of students.