Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for curriculum development that supports the diverse learning needs of students. Using UDL strategies to intentionally design a flexible learning environment for students can eliminate potential barriers to learning and result in a more equitable, inclusive, and supportive learning experience.
UDL Guidelines
The UDL guidelines established by the (CAST) provide a framework for designing instructional materials, methods, and assessments to meet individual student learning needs. Below are the three main guidelines with strategies for implementing them in the classroom:
Multiple Means of Engagement: The ‘why’ of learning
- Vary learning activities to engage students with different learning styles
- Foster collaboration and cooperative learning strategies
- Encourage students to assess their own learning
Multiple Means of Representation: The ‘what’ of learning
- Provide course content in multiple formats (digital, visual, auditory)
- Guide students in understanding how course content is transferable beyond the classroom
- Offer clear and concise instructions for assignments
Multiple Means of Action & Expression: The ‘how’ of learning
- Give students a choice in how they demonstrate their understanding
- Use multiple forms of media for communication
- Utilize scaffolding to break a long-term goal into smaller segments
Learn more about the from CAST.
Why Use UDL?
- Embracing UDL guidelines promotes an inclusive learning environment where students feel their contributions and perspectives are valued and respected.
- Providing multiple means of representation, engagement and expression empowers students to be an active participant in their college experience and to take ownership of their learning.
- Minimizing barriers to learning from the start increases access to course content and enhances learning opportunities.
Getting Started with UDL
- Consider areas in your course where you could introduce flexibility in the way you present content.
- Offer students multiple, low-stakes opportunities to practice their skills.
- Conduct brief, informal assessments of how students are progressing in the course.
- Examine an existing course assignment and identify an area where you could provide students with a choice in how they interact with the course material.
Learn more about how to adopt in your courses.
Resources
At аIJʿª½±½á¹û, several resources are available for creating more accessible course materials:
- Tech for Enhanced Access
- SensusAccess Document Conversion tool
- to provide text-based (rather than image-based) PDFs
- for making course materials available digitally rather than paper-based
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