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Lesson 3.3: Universal Design for Learning

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    10344
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    UDL-OER-1.jpg
    1. Multiple Means of Representation
    2. Multiple Means of Action and Expression
    3. Multiple Means of Engagement

    UDL at a Glance

    “Bust all barriers to learning that millions of people experience every day.”

    Click here to watch this YouTube video (4:36 minutes)


    UDL Instructional Module

    https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/udl/

    • Understand the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
    • Be able to apply the Universal Design for Learning principles to the components of a curriculum

    Myths and Misconceptions about UDL

    UDL is only for learners with disabilities.

    UDL aims to remove barriers to learning and supports inclusive institutional and teaching practices that reach all learners. As many post-secondary institutions must support large student populations and students usually participate in large class sizes, UDL practices ensure that a large, diverse student body still has access to learning in ways that support their individual needs. Therefore, instructors still need to consider using UDL in their pedagogy, even if they do not have learners with disabilities in their courses. It is important to remember that those students who vary in age, gender, cultural background, first language and abilities will also benefit from UDL

    Incorporating UDL into pedagogy lowers academic rigor.

    UDL does not replace regular program, course and assessment objectives. UDL practices simply support the use of multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression and multiple means of engagement to support all learners in meeting these objectives. It may be argued that academic rigour increases, as students are expected to express materials in multiple ways, limiting options for memorization and increasing the likelihood of deep learning.

    UDL has no research behind it.

    UDL research has been conducted in many fields, by varying researchers with the support of numerous institutions. Its framework resulted from thorough research in the fields of cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology and neuroscience. UDL guidelines and practices were a direct result of intensive research and investigation both supported by experimental and quantitative evidence as well as scholarly reviews and expert opinions. A compilation of the past 10 years of UDL research can be located on the National Center of Universal Design for Learning website.

    To make UDL work, you have to use technology.

    It is true that technology can effectively support learning in today’s classroom and can play an important role in the implementation of UDL. However, in order to support UDL and apply it effectively, technology is not a requirement if it is not available. . Instructors can still support student learning with no-tech or low-tech options as UDL classrooms focus on flexible learning methods to support learning not just technological ones. The following resources provide some low/no tech UDL classroom options:

    1. Example of a Technology-less lesson by Rose, Gravel, & Domings (2010)

    2. Technology-less options according to UDL principles by Prince George County Public Schools

    UDL is just good teaching.

    UDL does not automatically assume or result in good teaching. The term “good” is often judged subjectively and therefore not an ideal term for academic discussion. UDL principles, guidelines and checkpoints provide a clear framework that informs intentional teaching practices. Effective teaching will support opportunities for BOTH instructors and students to assess learning meaningfully and frequently in an inclusive physical and intellectual environment. However, unless an instructor is referencing the UDL framework and applying the UDL principles in order to make decisions, assess and/or inform, they are not implementing UDL.


    Thumbnail for the embedded element "UDL Guidelines in Practice: Grade 1 Mathematics"

    granite.pressbooks.pub/teachingdiverselearners/?p=274

    youtu.be/KuTJJQWnMaQ


     

     

    IMPORTANT UDL Resources:

    Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for Specific Learning Disability (or difficulty) in: mathematical calculation and problem solving.

    Get the UDL Guidelines in full-text format (Word): A complete narrative describing the context within which CAST developed the UDL Guidelines including explanations and examples of each principle and checkpoint.

    UDL Guidelines on this CAST graphic organizer


    Additional instructional modules and other resources on UDL

    www.cast.org/our-work/about-u...l#.WaQvoiiGPIU

    MAST Modules on Universal Design for Learning: Modules Addressing Special Education and Teacher Education

    Universal Design for Learning: An Introduction

    Elementary Lesson Planning

    High School Lesson Planning

    Students in the Adapted Curriculum

    The ASHA Leader, 16 (10), 14-17. do 10. 1044/leader.FTR2.16102011.14 Retrieved from http://leader.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=2279147


    Culturally diverse students, such as international students or English language learners. The target audience is higher education, however the strategies are completely relevant to K-12 environments.

    Universal Design for Learning (Part 6): Culturally Diverse Learners. [Video File]. Retrieved from youtu.be/R6t60Fh23iA Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)


    References

    youtu.be/bDvKnY0g6e4

    https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/udl/

    www.alludl.ca/myths-misconceptions (CC BY NC SA)



    Lesson 3.3: Universal Design for Learning is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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