Which type of scheduling, backward or forward, is more effective?

Question

Which type of scheduling, backward or forward, is more effective?

Answer 1

Inquiring minds want to know, so forward.

Answer 2

It depends on the task and the person.

I do both, but for really big projects, I like backward.  From the due date, I can identify when each part of the project needs to be finished, thus making sure I am not waiting until the last moment to get something done.

Lesson planning works well with "backward design", too.  (Can't remember the name of the guy who calls it that.)  When you begin with what you want the students to know, you can make sure that your presentations actually teach it.  You also are able to keep assessments simple.