Backward design is one of the core practices for effective language instruction that relies on thinking purposefully about teaching and learning.

What?

Backward design is one of the core practices for effective language instruction that relies on thinking purposefully about teaching and learning.

Identify Desired Results: Educators identify the big ideas of a unit of study using essential questions. Unit outcomes are informed by the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning (2015), the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines (2012), and the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements (2017).
Determine Acceptable Evidence: Educators design performance-based tasks and assessments to measure learner progress by demonstrating knowledge and skills (proficiency), aligned with Can-Do statements.
Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction: Educators craft the day-to-day learning tasks to develop learners’ knowledge and skills.

For language educators, backward design provides a road map as a framework for identifying where the learners are, where they are going, and how they are going to get there. Similar to a GPS navigation system, educators have flexibility in planning with students’ needs and interests in mind by considering multiple pathways for arriving at end goals.

Why?

Backward design begins with the learner and focuses on the real goals for learning a language: deeper cultural understanding, connections with multiple disciplines and building language proficiency. Through deliberate planning, educators guide learners to use the language to think critically, solve problems, and interact with one another and with the educator to meet desired unit goals.

Unlike backward design, traditional planning begins with the educator who selects a series of learning tasks and then evaluates the resulting learning. This is problematic because learning may be limited to memorizing vocabulary or grammatical structures with little focus on developing language proficiency or using language to explore engaging content.

How?

Educators utilize key concepts of Backward Design as they:

Set proficiency targets for programs, levels, and instructional units.
Design assessments for each program, levels and instructional units.
Use the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements and/or ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines to inform unit outcomes.
Use the World-Readiness Standards to design and guide instruction.
Design instructional tasks that move students toward the learning target.
Embed the three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive, Presentational)
Communicate the targets and proficiency outcomes to students, parents, administrators, colleagues and others.
Guide students to set and self-assess their own learning goals.

Find Out More:

Abbott, M., & Swanson, P. (2016). Building Your Core - Effective Practices for Language Learners and Educators [Presentation]. Retrieved from https://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pd/presentations/2016/Building%20Your%20Core%20-%20Effective%20Practices.pdf

ACTFL, & NCSSFL. (2017). NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements. Retrieved from https://www.actfl.org/publications/guidelines-and-manuals/ncssfl-actfl-can-do-statements

Moeller, A. J., & Yu, F. (2015). NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements: An Effective Tool for Improving Language Learning Within and Outside the Classroom. Dimension, 50–69. Retrieved from http://www.scolt.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Dimension-2015_FINAL_4-29.pdf

Shrum, J. L., & Glisan, E. W. (2015). Teacher’s handbook, contextualized language instruction (5th ed.). Boston, USA: Heinle, Cengage Learning.

Wiggins, G. (2014). Backward Design or Designing Assignments from Learning Objectives [Video]. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/97232265

Wiggins, G. P., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by Design (2nd ed.). Alexandria, USA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Learn More About Guiding Principles

Language learning should be a central part of any curriculum. Here's why:

Opening Statement

ACTFL is committed to providing vision, leadership, and support for quality teaching and learning to prepare the next generation of global citizens.

Benefits of Language Learning

We believe that all students should learn or maintain at least one world language in addition to English. Therefore, language learning should be a central part of any curriculum.

Literacy in Language Learning

Contemporary definitions of literacy include more than basic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, adding the purposeful uses of these skills in today’s media- and information-rich environment.

Articulated Sequences in Language Learning

In order for learners to achieve the highest level of proficiency possible, sequential study over extended periods of time is necessary.

Facilitate Target Language Use

The use of target language refers to all that learners say, read, hear, write, and view – production and reception of language on the part of learners, educators, and materials.

Use Authentic Text

Interactive reading and listening comprehension tasks should be designed and carried out using authentic cultural texts of various kinds with appropriate scaffolding and follow-up tasks that promote interpretation.

Design Communicative Tasks

Oral interpersonal communication tasks engage students for the purpose of exchanging information and ideas, meeting one’s needs, and expressing and supporting opinions through speaking and listening or signing with others.

Teach Grammar as a Concept in Context

Grammar should be addressed within meaningful communicative contexts as one element of language proficiency.

Provide Effective Feedback

The role of feedback for learners is critical in advancing language proficiency. Feedback should be provided in multiple forms including formative, summative and self-assessment.

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