Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a way of thinking about teaching and learning that helps give all students an equal opportunity to succeed. This approach offers flexibility in the ways students access material, engage with it and show what they know. Developing lesson plans this way helps all kids, but it may be especially helpful for kids with learning and attention issues.
For a better understand on the concept of UDL, the TED Talk by Michael Nesmith is informative and explains the importance behind why we need it. Click on the video below ⬇️
Three main principles of UDL
- Representation: UDL recommends offering information in more than one format. For example, textbooks are primarily visual.
- Action and expression: UDL suggests giving kids more than one way to interact with the material and to show what they’ve learned.
- Engagement: UDL encourages teachers to look for multiple ways to motivate students. Letting kids make choices and giving them assignments that feel relevant to their lives are some examples of how teachers can sustain students’ interest.
References:
- Brame, C. J. & Biel, R. (2015). Setting up and facilitating group work: Using cooperative learning groups effectively. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/setting-up-and-facilitating-group-work-using-cooperative-learning-groups-effectively/.
- Mayer, R. E. (Ed.). (2014). The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139547369
- https://www.readingrockets.org/article/universal-design-learning-udl-what-you-need-know