EDU-NB800: Using Backwards Design to Improve Teaching

Credit Hours:
3
Estimated Hours Per Week:
15

Overview

This course develops the knowledge and skills necessary to complete Entry 1 of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification process, which requires candidates to describe, analyze, and reflect on their current teaching pedagogy. Content focuses on using backwards design in developing a unit plan of study and differentiating instruction to meet the individual needs of K-12 students.

The course project, Backwards Design Unit: Differentiating Instruction to Prepare for National Board Certification, requires candidates to plan and implement a unit of instruction that incorporates backwards design. Candidates complete a Written Commentary (in preparation for Entry 1 of the NBPTS) that identifies intended learning outcomes, describes teaching strategies, provides the research base for pedagogical decisions, analyzes K-12 student work and learning, and reflects on the impact on K-12 student learning.

Course Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Develop and teach a unit plan that utilizes backwards design and differentiates instruction for the individual needs of students.
  • Analyze and evaluate student work samples as evidence of accomplished teaching practice.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and application of accomplished teaching standards of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
  • Describe, analyze and reflect on teaching practices relative to accomplished teaching standards.
ENROLLMENT
To enroll in this course, please complete the online application.

Required Texts
EDU-NB800 texts are available from the JIU/Follett Bookstore