Examples Of Universal Design For Learning

Universal Design for Learning

Teachers are faced with the challenge of helping all students learn and succeed in their classroom. This is a daunting task because of the diversity of learners that come from various learning styles, English language proficiency, or even learning disabilities. The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) was founded in 1984 by a group of educators that were interested in providing a better educational experience for students with disabilities. The results of their research led CAST to develop the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) which is based upon the Universal Design principles used in Architecture and construction. Universal Design is meant to provide access to all. This goal of Universal Design would mean accessible design features to buildings in the area of construction. CAST (n.d.), defines Universal Design for Learning as, “a framework for designing curricula that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. This is accomplished by providing rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all.” This framework is based on best practices and serves as an aggregation of research based techniques to increase student success.

Universal Design for Learning is organized into three general principles that have been broken down into considerable detail as part of the Universal Design Learning Guidelines developed by CAST. The principles of UDL are designed to provide multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement (CAST, 2011). Multiple means of representation includes varying the ways that information is presented to students along with providing necessary su...

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...his particular curriculum. I would facilitate the training where the teachers would assume the role of the student and go through the various activities, articles, and the video. The training would allow the teachers to gain their own understanding of how these changes can be made to the existing curriculum to obtain the same end result but to do so by increasing student engagement and access to all learners.

Universal Design for Learning can be used to modify any existing lesson to change up the types of activities and methods of instruction to open up the access to all learners to positively impact student achievement. The foundation of Universal Design was put in place to support students with disabilities but these principles of UDL are simply best practices that would enhance the instruction for any teacher regardless of the types of students in the class.