Universal Design for Learning

byTim Sinnaeve

Walden UniversityEDUC-6714

What is UDL?O Universal Design for Learning, also known as

UDL, is an instructional method that provides curriculum flexibility which makes the learning goals achievable for all students with wide differences in their learning abilities.

O All students have the ability to learn and UDL is an approach teachers can use to ensure material is challenging for each student.

O Teachers want to avoid a situation as displayed in the following slide

UDL InspirationO All students have the ability to learnO UDL provides the blueprint for creating

O Instructional goalsO Instructional methodsO Instructional materialsO Instructional assessments

O UDL is not a single one-size fits all solution

O UDL is flexible, customizable and adjustable to the individual learner.

UDL in the Physical Environment

UDL PrinciplesO UDL is comprised of three principles

that support three primary brain networks:

Multiple Means of Representation

Classroom Examples:O Advance organizers used to cover

expectationsO Use audio files to explain assignmentsO Use a daily class agendaO Use a clicker system to review lesson

materialO Post all lesson documents online in

multiple formats so students are able to access the needed information

Multiple Means of Expression

Examples of classroom use:O Use multiple assessment methods to

students can express knowledge in multiple ways

O Give students the opportunity to choose the type of assignment, which challenges them and demonstrates the mastery of the learning objectives

O Use discussion boards or blogs

Multiple Means of Engagement

Classroom use:O Create performance/problem based

assignments and assessmentsO Allow students to set lesson goalsO Ensure grades are posted in a timely

mannerO Provide feedback to students and allow

students to provide feedback to the teacherO Develop group assignments requiring

collaboration

UDL and TechnologyO Technology is not a must have

requirement of UDL, but it makes some aspects of UDL easierO Compact disc with textbook, allows

for enlarging fontO Clicker systemO Audio devicesO Optron machinesO ComputersO Software / Internet

Impact of UDLO UDL can have the following impact

on student learning:O Students become more engagedO Students are challenged, but not

overly challenged allowing them to become frustrated

O Students become motivatedO All students achieve the same

learning objectives O Students become better learners

Brain ResearchO The most important revelation is there are

no “regular” studentsO Categorizing learners does not reflect

realityO The brain distributes processes to different

partsO Each of the three networks of the brain has

a role in learningO Patterns of strengths and weaknesses

across all three networks interact with the teaching and learning environments

UDL SupportO UDL can support the learner in

multiple ways and by taking into account brain research and the three networks of the brain

O Provide options for:O PerceptionO Language and symbolsO ComprehensionO Physical action

UDL Support Con’tO Provide options for:

O Expressive skills and fluencyO Executing functionsO Recruiting interestO Sustaining effort and persistenceO Self-Regulation

CAST Tools / ResourcesO Curriculum self-check: Explore resources

O This site can be used to help apply UDL principles in your teaching to reach and engage all of your students.

http://udlselfcheck.cast.org

O UDL lesson builderO Provides educators with models and tools to

create and adapt lessons that increase access and participation in the general education curriculum for all students.

http://lessonbuilder.cast.org

CAST Tools/Resources Con’t

O UDL book builderO Allows you to create, share, publish,

and read digital books that engage and support diverse learners according to their individual needs, interests, and skills.

http://bookbuilder.cast.org

References

CAST, Inc. (2007–2011). Curriculum self-check: Explore resources. Retrieved from http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/resources.php#curriculum

CAST, Inc. (2002–2011). Teaching every student: Tools and activities. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/

CAST, Inc. (2006–2011). UDL book builder. Retrieved from http://bookbuilder.cast.org/

CAST, Inc. (2005–2011). UDL lesson builder. Retrieved from http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/

Google Images. https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&ei=Bq_OU4GTOoKpyAS3vILICg&ved=0CAQQqi4oAg

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching an engaging all learners through technology: Brain research and Universal Design for Learning. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/