Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning

The Myth of Average

What is UDL?

UDL is an educational framework based on research on learning in sciences.  This includes cognitive neuroscience that guides the development of flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences.  This calls for different sets of curriculum including:

• Multiple means of representation- gives learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge
• Multiple means of engagement- tap learners' interests and to challenge and motivate them
• Multiple means of expression- provide learners alternatives to demonstrate what they know

Multiple Means of Representation

What can you do as a educator to provide this?

• "Front-load" content or highlight critical features, provide examples
• Support background knowledge with relevant content
• Use materials beyond the textbook (technology, maps, poetry, films, guest speakers, etc.)

Multiple Means of Engagement

What activities will you have your students do?

• Discussions, reading, writing, debates, Web Quests, project-based, 

Multiple Means of Expression

What means will you provide for students to show what they know?

• Report, YouTube video, photograph, websites, poems, songs, games, plays, speeches, charts, graphs, cartoon strips, recordings

National Center for UDL is a great resource that gives several videos and examples of using Universal Design in classrooms!

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjg8dj5z9HQAhVi2IMKHXziAAAQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.robertbrewer.org%2Feinstein-is-wrong%2F&psig=AFQjCNHVrK7QwoYmHlIX9H4WbmDTWg0uoQ&ust=1480634618888829