UDL Overview: Making Learning Accessible for All Students
Simply put, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is about inclusive planning. More formally, UDL is an educational framework grounded in the principle that all students learn differently. While this may sound similar to differentiated instruction (DI), Katie Novak explains on The Education Table podcast that UDL is the blueprint—the planned design- while differentiated Instruction (DI) refers to the strategies and the responsive adjustments.
Created by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), UDL recognizes learners' diverse backgrounds, abilities, and needs. Its goal is to empower students by giving them more control over their learning and reducing barriers to learning. Teachers plan for multiple access points to the information and provide varied ways for students to show what they know.
The Core Principles of UDL
At the heart of UDL are three guiding principles that help create inclusive learning environments. These principles encourage educators to design flexible spaces that provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression.
Multiple Means of Engagement: This principle addresses how to keep students motivated and interested in learning. It acknowledges that students engage with content in different ways and may have varying levels of interest and stamina for tasks. By offering choices in how students engage, teachers can foster intrinsic motivation.
Multiple Means of Representation: Since people perceive and interpret information in different ways, this principle encourages educators to present content in various formats. This makes learning more accessible to all students. Examples include using infographics, audiobooks, or interactive simulations to present the same material in different ways.
Multiple Means of Expression: Students should have multiple ways to demonstrate their understanding. Traditionally, assessments have relied heavily on written tests and essays. However, UDL suggests that students should be able to express their learning through various methods, such as presentations, projects, or digital media. For instance, in a math unit, students could demonstrate understanding by creating a video explaining a problem-solving process or using an infographic to summarize a concept.
Practical Strategies for Implementing UDL
While the theory behind UDL is straightforward, putting it into practice requires thoughtful planning. Here are some strategies to help educators make their classrooms more inclusive:
💻 Use Technology to Offer Flexibility: Technology can play a significant role in providing multiple means of representation and expression.
Tools like Google Read&Write, Kahoot, or Padlet can help make learning more accessible and engaging.
🎨 Provide Choice in Learning Activities: When students are given the autonomy to select tasks that align with their interests or strengths, it can lead to higher motivation and a deeper connection to the subject matter.
Ideas include providing options via playlists, choice boards, the format of an assignment, or style of assessment (e.g., oral vs. written, recorded vs. performed live).
🏗️ Scaffold Instruction: Scaffolding involves breaking down learning into manageable steps and providing support as needed. Over time, as students gain confidence and independence, the level of support can decrease.
For a complex reading assignment, you might provide a glossary of key terms or offer a video summary of the content to support comprehension.
🗣️ Provide Ongoing Feedback: Rather than waiting for a final exam to assess student progress, UDL advocates for ongoing formative assessments.
The "Weekly Reflection Journals" strategy involves students setting personal learning goals and reflecting on their progress at the end of each week, noting challenges and successes.
🌱 Foster a Growth Mindset: UDL encourages educators to emphasize the importance of effort and persistence. When students know that they can learn and grow through practice, they’re more likely to approach challenges with resilience.
In the 'mistake of the day' activity, highlight a common misconception students may have, correct it, and discuss how perseverance led to the solution. Encourage students to reflect on their learning process.
What are you already doing, or what will you try?
Start small by incorporating one strategy, and gradually expand your use of UDL to maximize your classroom’s potential.
