Backward Design for Explicit Instruction
Backward design is a useful tool for planning an explicit instruction lesson. Use this table
to ensure you have considered all key elements of explicit instruction while planning your
next lesson.
Independent
Practice:
Preparation
Stage:
Guided
Practice:
Modelling:
Activity Title:
• Describe the task that students should be able to
do independently by the end of the session. Include
instructions, expectations. Evaluation criteria, and
possible accommodations.
• Design a parallel but dierent task that students will
do during the guided practice stage. Chunk it into
smaller units, and sequence them appropriately.
• Decide what scaolds will be available to students
while they practice. This may be concrete tools, such
as templates, lists, and graphic organizers, or other
types of scaolding, such as verbal prompts or peer
support.
• Create a list of questions or prompts that you can use
to support and guide students during this stage. For
example, pitfalls to avoid, details not to forget, self-
questions that students may use during the activity
to check their own work.
• Design a parallel but dierent task that you will
model for students.
• Plan how you will demonstrate the use of the
scaolds, and plan what you will say while thinking
aloud (your internal dialogue, the strategies you are
using, etc.).
• Plan the examples and counter examples you will
demonstrate, and how you will help students identify
the appropriate settings to use the target skills.
• Consider how you will elicit student responses and
engagement to assess their level of understanding
going into the activity.
• Plan how you will complete an assessment for
learning to verify students’ background knowledge
and evaluate their readiness for the activity.
• Plan how you will address any gaps before the
lesson, so that all students go in ready for the
new learning.
This graphic was adapted from an activity included in the viewer’s guide for the video
« VIDÉO : Enseignement explicite : du modelage à l’autonomie ».
