Backward design
Plan units from desired results, then evidence, then learning activities.
ED 110 • Book Study
Understanding by Design
Understanding by Design starts with a simple question: what should students understand when the unit is over? In this book study of Wiggins and McTighe’s framework, you will plan backward from that answer, write essential questions, and design assessments that show real understanding.
✓ 3 CEUs✓ 45 clock hours✓ Self-paced✓ One-year access
Book Study Course: ED 110 is built around Understanding by Design, Expanded 2nd Edition. You will need your own copy of the book.
Course Outcomes
What You Will Learn
Each module pairs a section of the book with examples and planning tools.
Essential questions
Write open questions that frame a unit and guide inquiry.
Big ideas
Identify the ideas worth teaching and build lessons around them.
Performance tasks
Design tasks with GRASPS and score them with clear rubrics.
Inside the Course
The Book and the Modules
You read the book alongside short lessons, videos, and discussion prompts that connect each idea to your own classroom.
Required Book
Understanding by Design, Expanded 2nd Editionby Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe · ISBN 9780131950849
- Backward Design and Understanding UbD in a nutshell and essential questions
- Writing Essential Questions Writing questions and the six facets of understanding
- Backward-Design Lesson Plans The big idea and unit overview sheets
- GRASPS and Assessment The GRASPS framework and writing rubrics
The book is not included with enrollment. CEUs for Teachers is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the authors or publisher.
What’s Included
Your Course Access Includes
- Four online modules
- Videos, articles, and planning templates
- Unit overview sheets
- Discussion boards with educators from other schools
- Printable certificate after successful completion
- One full year of course access
Earning Your Credit
What You Will Do
Read the book, then choose one of five ways to show what you learned. Assignments are pass/fail.
Choose One Option
- Journal entries
One entry per module (four total), at least 150 words each, on how you will use the ideas in your teaching. - Poster, presentation, or paper
Describe the fundamentals of the topic in the format that suits you. - Your own activity
Propose an activity you will benefit from most. Email the instructor for approval first. - Discussions and participation
Take part in the discussion boards throughout the course. - Chapter summaries
Write four chapter summaries.
Who It Is For
Who Takes This Course
- K–12 classroom teachers
- Curriculum and department leaders
- Instructional coaches
- Special education teachers
- Administrators supporting curriculum work
- Teams writing common units
Course Details
At a Glance
FormatOnline and self-paced
Credit3 CEUs or 45 clock hours
AccessOne full year
GradingPass/fail
InstructorDr. Lori Schieffer
StartBegin immediately after enrollment
Taking More Than One Course?
The CEU Unlimited Bundle
One educator, 12 courses including ED 110, and a full year of access for $625. If you plan to take three or more 3-CEU courses this year, the bundle costs less than buying them separately.
Explore the CEU Bundle$62512 courses · up to 28 CEUs
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Enroll
When can I begin?
You receive access after enrollment and may begin immediately.
Do I need to buy the book?
Yes. Please purchase or borrow a copy of Understanding by Design, Expanded 2nd Edition by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe (ISBN 9780131950849).
Is the course self-paced?
Yes. There are no scheduled class meetings, and you can stop in the middle of a lesson and pick up where you left off.
How is the course graded?
Assignments are pass/fail. Participants earning CEUs receive Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U); no letter grades are given.
How do I receive my certificate?
After completing the course requirements, you can print your certificate from your course account.
Will my state or district accept the credit?
Requirements vary. Review your state information and confirm acceptance with your licensing agency or district when needed.
What is the refund policy?
Because immediate access is provided, refunds are available only within 24 hours of purchase. Refunds are not offered after a certificate has been issued.
Enroll in ED 110
ED 110 is 3 CEUs, self-paced, and you can begin as soon as you enroll and have the book.
Begin ED 110Course Curriculum
Welcome to ED 110 Curriculum & Instruction: Understanding by Design Book Study
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Module 1: Curriculum & Instruction: Understanding
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Module 2: Curriculum & Instruction: Understanding
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Module 3: Curriculum & Instruction: Understanding
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Module 4: Curriculum & Instruction: Understanding
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Course Completion Directions
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