Universal Design

Natalie Mercer

Universal Design Learning

The problem with today’s mainstream curriculum is that there is no average student. There are those who are gifted, and

those who have special needs.

Universal design learning ensures that every student has a chance to learn to his or her ability

The goal of UDL is to meet the needs of students with a wide variety of characteristics

Principles & Practice

Questions to ask: How does the learner pick up

information? How does the learner act on this

information? How does the learner engage in the

learning situation?

THEN, present, test, and engage in multiple ways for all students’ needs.

Guidelines

Multiple ways of presentation: Provide options for perception Provide options for language &

symbols Provide options for comprehension

Multiple ways of action & expression (testing): Provide options for physical action Provide options for expressive skills &

fluency (reading/writing/speaking) Provide options for executive

functions (goal planning & managing information)

Guidelines cont’

Provide multiple means of engagement For recruiting interest

autonomy, relevance, and value in learning

Sustaining effort and persistence importance of goals

Self-regulation scaffold coping skills and

strategies, internal drive, goal-setting; child will become life-long learner

Implementing Universal Design Learning

Build a curriculum with enough challenges for most gifted students, but enough options, challenges, and supports for most struggling students from the beginning of the year.

The goal is a hands on, interactive, engaging lesson where all students can engage together.

References:

http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/DM-Resize/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/170/7/89689844.jpg?w=600&h=600&keep_ratio=1&webp=1

http://1f41314b2e94c2726b7a-d8eb574a7c280774526790081ce69970.r84.cf1.rackcdn.com/306b3f59-f859-4a53-a0d5-42111b328730_Digital_Learning_day_lg16x9.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR0uwPe05Q8gKhBtIQH97_srGRA3FoOMerTaadVw2yLQ4mV8Rzj

https://www.toledoblade.com/image/2010/12/22/800x_b1_cCM_z/Dorr-Elementary-students-learn-of-holiday-traditions-around-the-world.jpg

http://toyon.berryessa.k12.ca.us/subsites/Penny-Phillips/pictures/19141489.jpg