Universal Design for Learning

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Recommended: Diversity in the classroom is not limited to abilities

As educators, it is important to address individual differences in students’ recognition, strategic, or affective networks, thus providing the best possible support by individualizing pathways to learning through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). A study on alternative education for children suggests oversimplifying learner differences by categorizing students into two groups, regular and special, fails to accurately represent the full diversity of learners in the classroom. ( Meo, 2010, p. 21) Therefore, UDL is a framework for designing curriculum which provides all students equal opportunities to learn, with no discrimination to individual needs. In order for students to have equal opportunity in their learning and achievement, curriculum development must follow a set of principles, which are: representation, action and expression, and engagement. (CAST, 2013, para.1) Together these principles share one goal in providing students with a wider variety of options in their learning. As Educators, whether it’s “addressing individual differences in our students' recognition, strategic, or affective networks, we can provide the best support by individualizing pathways to learning” (Meyer & Rose, 2002, n.p). This report will pay attention to the three principle’s of UDL, by understanding strategies of theories and applying this knowledge to the classroom and diverse student learners through Differentiated Instruction (DI). Classrooms with a variety of diverse students with different needs and abilities require multiple means of delivery in lessons, as well as curriculum planning and design, otherwise known as representation. This recognition network focuses on the what of learning; how facts are gathered, what is seen, heard,... ... middle of paper ... ...0.secure.griffith.edu.au/lag/file/f676844d-d6bf-4616-bd63-01a017a4506e/1/cr1390194012355.pdf Kessler, E., & Whitbread, K. (n.d.). Universal Design for Learning: Opening Doors for Students with LD and ADHD. Retrieved May 5, 2014, from http://www.smartkidswithld.org/ld-basics/treatments-and-support/universal-design-for-learning-opening-doors-for-students-with-ld-and-adhd Meo, G. (2008). Curriculum Planning for All Learners: Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to a High School Reading Comprehension Program. Preventing School Failure, 52(2), 21-30. doi:10.3200/PSFL.52.2.21-30 Rose, D. H., & Meyer, A. (2002). Chapter 6: Using UDL to Support Every Student's Learning. In Teaching every student in the Digital Age: Universal design for learning. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/101042/chapters/Using-UDL-to-Support-Every-Student's-Learning.aspx

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