Universal Design for Learning
Synopsis
Universal Design for Learning framework informs educators on designing learning environments and delivering instruction to support learner differences while mitigating barriers to learning.It provides students of all backgrounds equal opportunity to learn and success in the classroom. UDL should serve the need of learners regardless of cultural backgrounds, race, socio-economic status, gender, language, reading writing and math proficiency, and even the students’ motivation. UDL Curriculum designs to remove specific barriers as students are unique individuals. It helps students get around those barriers, still incorporate lessons and objectives that are challenging and achievable, that in turn enhances student engagement. Educators are empowered to enhance curriculum which includes new technology, materials and exciting lessons. UDL builds on strengths rather than deficiencies. The UDL Guidelines are a tool used in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning. These guidelines offer a set of concrete suggestions that can be applied to any discipline or domain to ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities. These are divided into 3 parts: 1) Provide multiple means of Representation (For resourceful, knowledgeable learners, teachers should present information in different ways, the “what” of learning); 2) Provide multiple means of Action & Expression (For strategic, goal-directed learners, teachers should differentiate the ways that students can express what they learn, the "how" of learning) and; 3) Provide multiple means of Engagement (For purposeful, motivated learners, teachers should stimulate interest and motivation for learning, the "why" of learning).
