Planning and practicing annual/unit instructional programs based on “backwards design”

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a course design based on the ”backward design” theory. The course structure is as follows: annual goals are established, necessary instruction and assessment plans for each unit are devised, and students' performance on assigned tasks is assessed in each unit to gauge the level of achievement. This process helps students become aware of the purpose of each unit and what they can gain from the learning experience. The paper discusses the teaching plan that the author designed and implemented in a Spanish course at Sakado High School in Saitama Prefecture. It also covers the performance test and its evaluation, providing specific examples to illustrate these points.