Elementary schools' learning tools development based on Understanding by Design

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17509/curricula.v5i1.208

Keywords:

elementary school, learning tools, understanding by design

Abstract

Learning in elementary schools still faces challenges in aligning learning objectives, assessment, and instructional activities, which limits students’ conceptual understanding. This study aims to develop Understanding by Design (UbD)-based learning tools for elementary schools that meet the criteria of validity, practicality, and effectiveness. The research employed a research and development (RnD) approach using the ADDIE model. The developed learning tools comprise teaching modules, instructional materials, and authentic assessment instruments grounded in the backward design principle. Data were collected through expert validation, observation of learning implementation, teacher and student response questionnaires, and learning outcome tests, and were analyzed using descriptive, quantitative, and qualitative methods. The results showed that the UbD-based learning tools achieved very high validity. Practicality was indicated by implementation rate and positive responses from teachers and students. The learning tools were also effective, as shown by improved student learning outcomes, with classical mastery. Therefore, UbD-based learning tools are feasible and effective for improving elementary school learning oriented toward conceptual understanding.

References

Andrade, H. L., & Heritage, M. (2023). Using formative assessment to enhance learning, achievement, and academic self-regulation. Theory Into Practice, 62(1), 45-54.

Aristanti, A. P., & Fatayan, A. (2024). The effect of the UbD-based problem-based learning model on the critical thinking skills of grade IV students in IPAS subject at elementary school. Elementary School Forum (Mimbar Sekolah Dasar), 11(2), 268-280.

Bennett, R. E. (2025). Rethinking equity and assessment through opportunity to learn. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 32(1), 5-32.

Damanik, M. H., Perangin-angin, R. B. B., Ndona, Y., & Yunita, S. (2025). Development of storytelling media to increase civic education interest in elementary students. Inovasi Kurikulum, 22(3), 1503-1518.

Damayanti, I., & Sukirno, S. (2025). PowerPoint learning media to improve activeness and learning outcomes in the Economics subject. Curricula: Journal of Curriculum Development, 4(1), 356-368.

Darling-Hammond, L. (2020). Preparing educators for the time of COVID and beyond. European Journal of Teacher Education, 43(4), 457-465.

Hadinda, S. T., Rohana, & Sayidiman. (2025). Analisis efektivitas modul ajar menggunakan pendekatan Understanding by Design (UbD) pada ketercapaian tujuan pembelajaran di sekolah dasar. Pendas: Primary Education Journal, 10(1), 20-32.

Hamzah, H., Hamzah, M. I., & Zulkifli, H. (2022). Systematic literature review on the elements of metacognition-based Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) teaching and learning modules. Sustainability, 14(2), 1-15.

Hastuti, W. S., Widyaningtyas, F. S., Wati, U. A., & Kusumah, S. A. (2025). Understanding by Design (UbD): an effective way to design elementary school science learning for the competencies of teacher professional education students. Al-Ishlah: Jurnal Pendidikan, 17(3), 3952-3965.

Herbert, B., Fischer, J., & Klieme, E. (2022). How valid are student perceptions of teaching quality across education systems?. Learning and Instruction, 82(2), 1-12.

König, J., Jäger-Biela, D. J., & Glutsch, N. (2022). Adapting to online teaching during COVID-19: Teacher education and instructional coherence. Teaching and Teacher Education, 43(3), 1-15.

Kusuma, A. S., & Nurmawanti, I. (2023). Pengembangan soal-soal literasi dan numerasi berbasis Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) untuk siswa SD. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 8(1), 516-523.

Lo, C. K., & Hew, K. F. (2022). A critical review of flipped classroom challenges in K-12 education: possible solutions and recommendations. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 12(1), 1-22.

Mendoza, W., Ramírez, G. M., González, C., & Moreira, F. (2022). Assessment of curriculum design by Learning Outcomes (LO). Education Sciences, 12(8), 1-16.

Molenda, M. (2022). In search of the elusive ADDIE model. Performance Improvement, 61(5), 34-39.

Nadira, S., Ihtisani, A. F., & Mufidah, I., Z. (2022). The future of education: “Freedom” as the foundation of the curriculum. Curricula: Journal of Curriculum Development, 2(4), 173-186.

Namus, A. O., Choirunnisa, A. S., & Hidayati, A. N. (2024). Membangun pemahaman yang mendalam dalam pembelajaran dengan prinsip Understanding by Design (UbD). Pendas: Primary Education Journal, 5(2), 83-92.

Nugroho, B. S., Prayitno, H. J., Utami, R. D., Purnomo, E., & Jamali, A. (2025). Development of learning materials based on meaningful learning as an effort to foster green behavior in elementary schools. Journal of Deep Learning, 2(1), 12-18.

Polman, J., Hornstra, L., & Volman, M. (2021). The meaning of meaningful learning in Mathematics in upper-primary education. Learning Environments Research, 24(3), 469-486.

Pratiwi, D. E., Yuliana, L., Partika, N. T., & Noorwinanda, M. N. R. D. (2024). Development of e-book-based teaching materials through culturally responsive teaching approach in elementary school. ELSE (Elementary School Education Journal), 8(3), 145-159.

Purba, F. P. Y., Sinaga, B., & Harahap, F. (2025). Development of Mathematics learning tools through Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) to enhance spatial ability. Inovasi Kurikulum, 22(4), 2301-2314.

Putra, A. R., & Zulherman. (2025). Educandy assisted as learning media to improve critical thinking skills on light material in elementary school. Inovasi Kurikulum, 22(3), 1903-1918

Saragih, R., Restu, & Mulyono, M. (2025). Analysis of elementary teachers’ challenges in implementing kurikulum merdeka in social studies. Inovasi Kurikulum, 22(4), 2211-2222.

Sariyanti, S., Indarwati, D., & Darmawan, I. (2024). Pendekatan understanding by design sebagai strategi pengembangan kualitas pembelajaran di sekolah dasar. Primary Education Journal, 5(2), 57-63.

Uluçınar, U. (2021). Findings of qualitative studies on understanding by design: a meta-synthesis. International Journal of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, 11(2), 167-194.

Uluçinar, U. (2021). The effects of technology-supported UbD-based instructional design training on student teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge and learning-teaching conceptions. International Online Journal of Education and Teaching, 8(4), 2636-2664.

Witjaksono, S., & Kasriman, K. (2025). The impact of diorama media on learning outcomes in water cycle education. Curricula: Journal of Curriculum Development, 4(2), 1723-1738.

Yurtseven, N., & Altun, S. (2017). Understanding by Design (UbD) in EFL teaching: teachers’ professional development and students’ achievement. Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 17(2), 437-461.

Yusmita, A. R., & Hadiyanti, P. O. (2025). The influence of Wordwall educational game on students' learning interest in elementary school. Inovasi Kurikulum, 22(4), 2597-2610.

Zhao, L., Zhao, B., & Li, C. (2023). Alignment analysis of teaching-learning-assessment within the classroom: how teachers implement project-based learning under the curriculum standards. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 5(1), 1-12.

Published

2026-03-27

How to Cite

Pratiwi, D. E., & Yuliana, L. (2026). Elementary schools’ learning tools development based on Understanding by Design. Curricula: Journal of Curriculum Development, 5(1), 321-334. https://doi.org/10.17509/curricula.v5i1.208