Understanding by Design (UbD) works backwards from traditional teaching methods, starting with the lessons' goals and objectives (the “outcomes”) and planning curriculum to reach that goal.
Authentic performance activities help assess the students' understanding of the topic as they explain and interpret their "job" using this knowledge. Imagine every science topic integrating an authentic performance to show students how this knowledge can be applied to every day life, potential future careers and world issues like medical health, conservation and public safety. At the same time, the educator, other students and the students themselves can assess their grasp of the concepts.