Essay On Universal Design For Learning

Within contemporary education environments the application of the Universal Design for Learning provides all individuals with equal opportunities to learn from the outset rather than as an additional add on. With an ever increasing amount of diverse learners within classrooms, it is paramount educators provide each and every student with a learning program that enriches and enhances their time at school. When attempting to implement the Universal Design for Learning, educators need to create instructional and differentiated goals, methods, materials and assessment through differentiated instruction that meets the needs of all students through challenging and engaging them (CAST, 2011). Within a classroom environment each student brings an array of different skills, needs and interests that alter their learning style and needs. A Universal Design for Learning seeks to make the facilitating of teaching, the curriculum and the learning environment usable by all students to the greatest extent (Post & Rainville 2011). Universal design for learning specifies for educators to present information in a variety of ways, allow options for demonstrating learning and to maximise student engagement through the three guiding principals while maintaining a critically reflective teaching approach.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (2013) promotes the inclusion of all students throughout highlighting that every student is entitled to knowledge which is in conjunction with The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (2013) who have created teaching standards that build on emerging theories of inclusive education. Furthermore the National Safe Schools Framework (2011 p.3) that states “all Australian sc...

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...tation of the universal design for learning.

As outlined by David, Meyer, & Hitchcock (2005), differentiated instruction is a process of finding out about each learner and differentiating accordingly. As an educator you must continually develop an awareness of your students by observing their interactions, interests and learning performance in order to provide an inclusive environment. Once a sound knowledge of students is attained the Universal Design for Learning is an excellent way to ensure each and every student is provided equal opportunities to learn and enjoy their education. Through using the three principles of representation, action and expression and engagement in conjunction with critical reflection, educators can reduce barriers within their classroom and provide an inclusive environment that challenges engages and celebrates each and every student.