Understanding by Design
3 Column Table versus UbD Template
Both the three-column table developed by Fink and the Understanding by Design (UbD) template developed by Wiggins & McTighe serve as planning tools for an instructional facilitator to create learning opportunities for students through planned activities. While the three-column table provides more of a general overview for a big idea or topic, the UbD template is more detailed in nature. In my opinion it makes sense to start first with the three-column table as this backwards design helps the instructor determine overall goals of the lesson, while the UbD template offers a blueprint on how to reach stated goals (Fink, 2003; Wiggins & McTighe, 2005). The instructor is forced to contemplate guiding questions, how to hook students, and possible misunderstandings when completing the UbD template. This level of detail is not offered through Fink’s three-column table. Once the three-column chart is created, this general document is excellent for planning the specific tools and activities detailed in the UbD template necessary to create a significant learning environment that strategically provokes learning opportunities for students.​
Innovation Plan Reflection
My innovation plan started with an overall vision based on an identified need. With this identified need there was no specific direction on how to reach this goal, just ideas which were formulated into an outline. The three-column table I developed allowed me to think about the end goal, and what learning needed to occur for students to reach that identified goal. The UbD template expanded upon the three-column table by allowing me to consider the details needed to create learning opportunities depicted in the three-column table. Both the three-column table and UbD template have allowed for greater planning and through necessary to intentionally foster a significant learning environment.
References
Fink, L. D. (2003). A self-directed guide to designing courses for significant learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design (expanded second ed.). Alexandria, Virginia: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.