To Begin With the End

Abstract

As a professionally based field, leisure studies programs are perpetually in a position to produce the future managers, supervisors, and directors of the various subfields that comprise our areas of studies. Based on this reality and the need to adequately fulfill accreditation standards, insulate programs to the changing school/university priorities, and raise the caliber and abilities of our graduates, the aim of this learning activity discussion is to highlight Backward Design as a useful approach that could address the demands of each of those needs. Backward Design emphasizes a three-stage process to tackle, reshape, and implement learning outcomes in a curriculum or a course. Thinking of our students as graduates at the onset offers an effective way to produce quality students for the culmination of a program or course.

KEYWORDS:

• Backward design
• learning outcomes
• outcome-based curriculum
• career preparation
• assessment strategies