Sasha Trickey

Hi Sasha! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on this module and your explanation of Backward Design and Understanding by Design, especially how you connected it to Jennifer Gonzalez’s Cult of Pedagogy podcast! You really hammered in that teaching is most effective when we start with the why and plan with a purpose.

I loved reading your reflection on inquiry-based and project-based learning. Hearing that, while you didn’t connect with the class novel, you really got into the novel-based trivia game is so awesome and goes to show that the design methods we are learning really make a difference when put into practice. I would’ve loved for you to go deeper into what assessment looks like for inquiry and project-based learning. While a class-made rubric is great for summative assessment, I wonder how self-reflection and formative assessment can be incorporated.

This blog post was engaging, succinct, and does a great job outlining different design methods and how they are interconnected. I can’t wait to read your next one!

Max Lockwood

Hi Max! I really enjoyed reading your blog post, especially how reflective and personal your thoughts on these design theories were! Connecting the Understanding by Design model with your lived experience this term really captures the key point of design models like this, and how it allows both teachers and learners alike to plan with intention.

Your example of the carnival game you and your out-of-school-care kids created is such a fun and authentic use of Design Thinking in action. I loved how you laid out your process, walking us (as in the readers) through the stages, showing how this framework really works in teaching. It’s great to see how empathy can lead to more meaningful engagement and, sometimes, even new carnival games!

Your learning-by-doing mountain biking example was such a great anecdote for experiential learning. It ties in so well with the theme of your post and really shows that true growth comes from curiosity and reflection, not rote memorization.