The correct answer is Desired results and then assessment. The concept of "backward design," developed by Wiggins and McTighe, is a planning framework that emphasizes starting with the end in mind. It consists of three stages: Stage 1 – Identify Desired Results, which involves clearly defining what students should know and be able to do; Stage 2 – Determine Acceptable Evidence, which means planning how to assess students' learning to ensure they have achieved the desired results; and Stage 3 – Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction, where teaching strategies and activities are designed to help students achieve those results and demonstrate their learning. This sequence ensures alignment between curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Option A, Activities first, is incorrect because backward design specifically cautions against starting with activities before clearly defining learning goals and assessments, as this can lead to engaging but ultimately unfocused lessons. Option C, Textbooks only, is incorrect as relying solely on textbooks without first establishing desired outcomes can limit the scope of learning and may not align with specific educational goals. Option D, Random topics, is incorrect because instructional planning, especially backward design, is fundamentally about purposeful and coherent curriculum development, ensuring that all content and activities contribute to specific, predetermined learning objectives, not disconnected topics.