Solving 25 Problems in Unit Design: How do I refine my units to enhance student learning? (ASCD Arias)

by Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins

• Introduction
• Problems with Unit Goals (Stage 1)
• Problem 1. The unit is overly activity oriented
• Problem 2. The unit is coverage oriented
• Problem 3. The unit is test-prep oriented
• Problem 4. The unit targets too many standards
• Problem 5. The unit lacks understanding-based goals
• Problem 6. The unit goals are not clearly related
• Problem 7. Essential questions—aren't
• Problem 8. Unit goals fail to distinguish means versus ends
• Problem 9. Failing to distinguish between knowledge and skill objectives
• Problems with Assessment Evidence (Stage 2)
• Problem 10. The proposed assessments do not provide appropriate evidence for all unit goals
• Problem 11. There is insufficient evidence of learning to ensure reliable assessment
• Problem 12. Performance tasks are contrived and inauthentic
• Problem 13. Performance assessment tasks are not worth the effort
• Problem 14. Performance tasks or projects may not yield valid assessment evidence for individual students
• Problem 15. The evaluative criteria or rubric(s) are invalid
• Problems with the Learning Plan (Stage 3)
• Problem 16. The proposed learning plan does not address the targeted understandings and essential questions
• Problem 17. Unit does not include pre-assessments
• Problem 18. Unit plan fails to anticipate and check for possible or predictable misconceptions
• Problem 19. Unit lacks ongoing formative assessments
• Problem 20. Unit plan does not include time for needed adjustments
• Problem 21. The learning sequence is too linear and likely to bore or confuse learners
• Problem 22. The learning plan does not adequately prepare students to transfer their learning
• Problem 23. The learning plan is not differentiated
• Problem 24. There is no plan for increasing student autonomy and transfer of learning
• Problem 25. The learning plan is not aligned with the goals and/or assessments
• References
• About the Authors
• Related ASCD Resources
• Copyright