2. Inspiration
Buildings had to be made accessible for all.
Stairs did not work for all, so ramps were added.
Why was learning not like this?
All students should be given a chance to succeed, to access the
information in the way they desire.
Universal Design for Learning, or UDL, was born.
Credit: Laureate Education, Inc. (2009a).
3. The Three Principles of UDL
For Recognition Learning…
Provide multiple, flexible methods of presentation.
This could be making sure to provide written notes on, talk about, and
allow students to practice the steps involved in solving a math
problem.
For Strategic Learning…
Provide multiple flexible methods of expression and apprenticeship.
This could be allowing them to blog about how to solve a math
equation as opposed to showing their work.
For Affective Learning…
Provide multiple, flexible options for engagement.
This could be changing your usual teacher-led, question and answer
test review into a Jeopardy game on the ActivBoard.
4. Brain Research
The three principles align with the three areas of the brain that
pertain to learning.
They are:
Recognition
Located in the back of the brain
Involves sensory organs
Recognizes and processes patterns
Strategic
Located in the front of the brain
Deals with movement, muscles
Gives actions and the plans for those actions
Affective
Located in the center of the brain
Processes emotions
Evaluates patterns
Credit: Laureate Education, Inc. (2009b).
5. Technology in UDL
Technology helps to achieve the goals associated with the
three principles and the three portion of the brain.
Recognition
Technology can be used to create new and interesting ways to present
information. Students can also be given access to technological tools
to practice new skills.
Strategic
Students can use blogs, video editing software, or any of the other
many ways available to show their knowledge in a way that they are
comfortable with.
Affective
Technology can be used to gain the attention of students who
otherwise would be withdrawn from the long-accepted “drill and kill”
method of education.
6. UDL In Our School
The implementation of UDL will result in more
engaged students and give students greater access to
the information we are trying to convey.
This will result in higher achievement for students as
a result of increased engagement and access.
This will also result in reduced discipline problems,
as students will become more interested in learning
and divert their attention from negative behaviors.
7. CAST Tools
The CAST website has a variety of tools to help
facilitate the implementation of UDL.
UDL Goal Setter:
http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/udlgoalsetter.cf
m
This tool helps you set goals that are clear and correlated to your
standards.
It should be used to help students set challenging, but realistic
goals associated with our required standards.
8. CAST Tools
The CAST website has a variety of tools to help
facilitate the implementation of UDL.
UDL Class Profile Maker:
http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/classprofile.cfm
This tool seeks to give you ways to group students based upon
learning profiles.
It should be used to group students based upon strengths as
opposed to weaknesses.
9. CAST Tools
The CAST website has a variety of tools to help
facilitate the implementation of UDL.
UDL Class Learning Profile Template:
http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/tools/classprofiletemp
late.cfm
This tool is helpful in determining the learning style, or styles, of
each student in your class.
This resource should be used in conjunction with the class profile
maker to effectively group students to both challenge them as well
as allow them to find their own measure of success.
10. References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer).
(2009b). Reaching and engaging all learners
through technology: Universal design for learning.
Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer).
(2009b). Reaching and engaging all learners
through technology: Brain research and UDL.
Baltimore, MD: Author.
