By

Martha Poppell

What is the Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

UDL is defined as a set of principles designed to help educators develop curriculum's which promotes equal learning opportunities that facilitate all

learning styles using innovative resource and materials.  All students benefit from the resources presented at UDL. Further, teachers alike can benefit from UDL by globally practicing and applying the three principles

(representation, engagement and expression). Representation is a method that provides diverse learning opportunities. Knowledge can be

constructed using the representation method. The expression method centers on alternatives for establishing what is mastered or did not master. Engagement is the method which focuses on what interests and stimulates

students in the learning setting (UDL, 2011).

The UDL holds 3 essential principles

•Customize Learning

•Monitoring (ongoing)

•Multiple practice and drill

How can educators use these 3 principles?

The UDL’s three principles can be used to focus on all things that are essential in regards to promoting my students engagements and enhance their learning styles. Lessons can be designed to (a) Customize learning to fit students learning style, (b) Supply ongoing monitoring and (c) Provide multiple practice and drills. Using these elements can advance students performances in the learning setting. In addition, these elements can be a measure for tracking what students know or do not know (National Center on Universal Design for Learning, 2011).

UDL In 21st century classroom

In the 21st century, multiple opportunities are available to apply advanced technology resources within the instructional and learning setting. The UDL’s provides technology resources that teachers can use to eliminate challenges in the teaching and learning setting. Today, many educators are using blogs, wiki’s, podcasting, Podbean reflection, universal design for learning (UDL), and several other types of new technology resources to facilitate students learning styles. The UDL frame can enable educators to (a) Target individual learning differences, (b) Share with the PAL community and (c) Employ technology based activities (UDL, 2007-2011).

Targeting

Targeting individual learning differences can empower educators with the information needed to focus on students learning style (UDL, 2007-2011). Sharing with the PAL community will create a network of resources that can help educators with implementing new pedagogies, methods and resources to customize students learning. Employing technology base activities using handheld technology tools (e.g., laptops and clickers) can enable students to learn with 21st century tools and materials (National Center on Universal Design for Learning, 2011). This will mean shifting gears and balancing the demands that come day to day work and life.

Integrating UDL: 4th grade Math curriculum

• Setting goals for each student based on learning needs.

• Teaching lessons that provide multiple opportunities for learning the presented tasks.

• Identifying barriers and design lessons and activities customized to fit all learners’ needs.

• Applying UDL to focus on what students need to know and integrate diverse technology resources to facilitate students learning.

Where to start?

Began by reviewing UDL at a Glance.

Brain process

Understanding the way the brain processes information is the key to creating a flexible curriculum that facilitate all learning styles.Diverse models and approaches can help the different learning styles (e.g., special needs and culturally diverse learners) achieve success not just academically, but also socially. Therefore, stakeholders should consider the rewards of employing the principles of the UDL within the K through post graduate curriculum. To integrate the UDL’s principles will require leverage advanced resources within the teaching and learning setting.

Brain processes through 3 networks

Understanding the way the brain processes information is the key to creating a flexible curriculum that facilitate all learning styles. Diverse models and approaches can help the different learning styles (e.g., special needs and culturally diverse learners) achieve success not just academically, but also socially. Therefore, stakeholders should consider the rewards of employing the principles of the UDL within the K through post graduate curriculum. To integrate the UDL’s principles will require leverage advanced resources within the teaching and learning setting.

UDL’s principles

The UDL’s Principles enable teachers to create multiple opportunities for learning for all learning styles.

Reference

National Center on Universal Design for Learning. (2011). UDL guidelines–V ersion 2.0. Retrieved from http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines