Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that aims to provide all students with equal opportunities to learn by providing multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement. UDL guidelines encourage offering varied ways for students to acquire information and knowledge, to demonstrate what they know, and to maintain interest and motivation for learning. Implementing UDL in the classroom involves identifying barriers, collaborating with other teachers, gaining administrative support, and creating a universally accessible learning environment.
2. What is UDL?
• Universal design is the design of products and
environments to be usable by all people, to
the greatest extent possible, without the
need for adaptation or specialized design.
-Ron Mace
3. Examples:
The elevator is built into the
center of the stairwell so
that people with wheel
chairs are able to access the
top floor.
A ramp is built into the buildings structure
rather than simply adding on a ramp.
4. Guidelines for UDL:
Provide Multiple Means
of Representation
Provide Multiple means
of Action and Expression
Provide Multiple Means
of Engagement
5. Multiple Means of Representation:
This means that every unique child will be
able to understand and make sense of the
material that is being taught to them.
6. Multiple Means of Action and
Expression:
• This guideline is used in UDL because students
express themselves in a variety of different
ways. This concept will allow the children to
express themselves in a way that best suits
each unique child.
7. Multiple Means of Engagement:
• In order to allow the children to express themselves in
a variety of ways, we must provide them with
numerous ways to keep them engaged. Providing
opportunities to allow children to explore their own
self-interests will keep them more engaged in the
classroom.
8. Components of UDL:
• What are the goals of UDL?
- How do we translate standards into the this custom curriculum?
• What are the materials that are going to be used
in the classroom
- Are these materials key to learning and are they universally designed?
• What are the methods used?
- Does the teacher use collaborative group projects, lectures, and or provide
the students with real life experiences?
• What are the means of assessment?
- How can you be sure that the students are truly learning?
9. Implementing UDL in the classroom:
• Identify barriers in the curriculum that may be a problem for
some of the unique learners.
• Work with other teachers as a team in order to create a
learning environment that supports UDL
• Administrators need to validate the hard-work that goes into
the UDL
• Administrators should act as cheer leaders to other staff
members who are implementing UDL into their classrooms.
