The Enhancement of Prospective Teachers’ Competence and Awareness in the Understanding by Design

Abstract

In this study, a group of participants found the process of designing backward thinking distressing. Furthermore, the lack of practical strategies in schools and the absence of resources related to planning can lead to inadequacy in teachers' planning skills. This research aimed to enhance prospective teachers' competence and awareness of Understanding by Design. A case study was conducted with the participation of 17 teacher candidates from Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Education in Türkiye. The selection of candidates was voluntary. A 30-hour course on the theory and stages of backward design used in Understanding by Design was implemented from May 16th to 19th, 2022. This qualitative research employed data collection tools such as pre- and post-study open-ended questionnaires and performance tasks assessing lesson designs. The Understanding by Design template lesson plan and thought process were used to teach backward design in planning the training activity. The evaluation revealed that the pre-service teachers effectively utilized critical concepts associated with Understanding by Design, expressing their intention to incorporate understanding-based design into their future lessons and projects. The participants also emphasized the importance of all teachers adopting this instructional approach. Ultimately, the research suggests that the participants' competence and awareness of understanding-based design significantly improved throughout the course.