Rather than thinking about “covering” content, Wiggins and McTighe argue for “uncovering” ideas.

They advocate for treating topics with depth rather than breadth, uncovering their core meanings through student-centered approaches to learning, so that students are left with durable, foundational knowledge and understandings to support future learning. Grant Wiggins, one of the authors of "Understanding by Design," explains the basic concepts, including big ideas and essential questions.

Big Ideas:

  • Are broad and abstract
  • Can be summarized in one to two words
  • Are universal in application
  • Are timeless
  • Are represented by different examples that share common attributes
  • Are a conceptual lens for any study
  • Provide a breadth of meaning
  • Require uncovering
  • May be counterintuitive or prone to misunderstanding
  • Cover ground "horizontally" (across subjects) + "vertically" (throughout the curriculum)
  • Can be: a concept, a theme, an ongoing debate, point of view, central paradox or theory or underlying assumptions, recurring questions, and/or main principles

What makes a question essential?

  • It causes genuine and relevant inquiry into the big ideas and core content.
  • It provokes deep thought, lively discussion, sustained inquiry, and new understandings, as well as more questions.
  • It requires students to consider alternatives, weigh evidence, support their ideas, and justify their answers.
  • It stimulates vital, ongoing rethinking of big ideas, assumptions, and prior lessons.
  • It sparks meaningful connections with prior learning and personal experiences.
  • It naturally recurs, creating opportunities for transfer to other situations and subjects.

Ask essential questions about your course content:

  • Why study X? Why should I care?
  • What makes the study of X universal?
  • If the module of X is a story, what's "the moral" of the story?
  • What's the big idea implied in the skill or process of X?
  • What larger concept, issue, problem, or debate underlies X?
  • What can I do if I understand X?
  • What can't I do if I don't understand X?
  • How is X used and applied in the larger world (in other disciplines/in the workplace)?
  • What is a "real world" insight about X?
  • What is the value of studying X?

Adapted from: Moss, J. & Sheridan, B. (2014). What is Understanding by Design and why should I use it? University of Alaska Fairbanks.