Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning

Megan Parrish

EDAD 330: Universal Design for Learning

Humphreys University

What is Universal Design for Learning?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to teaching and learning that gives all students an equal opportunity to succeed. Ronald Mace is considered the pioneer of universal design and developed the seven priciples that guide universal design.

1. Equitable Use

2. Flexibility in Use

3. Simple and Intuitive Use

4. Perceptible Information

5. Tolerance for Error

6. Low Physical Effort

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

If was from these principles that Universal Design was developed and transferred into the field of education. 

Three Classes of Brain Networks

There are three networks in our brain that all serve a different function: affective , recognition , and strategic .

Affective: Monitors the internal and external environment to set priorities, motivate, and engage learning an behavior

Recognition: Sense and perceive information and transform it into usable knowledge

Strategic: Plan, organizes, and initites purposeful actions in the environment

Click here for a short video on the three networks. 

The coaches below will each explain a different part of the network. Click on each for more explanations.

Multiple Means of Engagement

All learners are different in the ways they are motivated and engaged to learn. Providing multiple options for engagement is esstional to support all learners in the classroom.

Provide options for recruiting interest, sustaining effort and persistance, and self regulation.

Click here for a short explanation of engagement

Multiple Means of Representation

Learners differ in the ways they perceive and comprehend information that is presented to them. Providing options is essential and information should be accessible and presented in a variety of ways.

Click here for a video on representation.

Multiple Means of Action and Expression

Learners differ in the ways they can navigate a learning environment and express what they know. All learners should be provided different ways to show mastery of learning. 

Provide options for physical action, expression and communication, and executive functions. 

Click here for a brief video on action and expression.

UDL Curriculum

The UDL curriculum is built off of four components: goals, assessments, materials, and methods.

Learners are at the center of the curriculum and is defined by how adequately it can support and accomodate the variablitlity of learners. 

UDL curriculum needs to provide genuine learning opportunites and is responsive to adjust to the needs and interests of all learners. 

Click here for a video that explains the reason behind UDL curriculum.

Universal Design Curriculum

Goals:

• Challenge all learners
• Involve all learners
• Seperate learning expectations
• Consider learning networks

Assessment:

• Ongoing and focused on learner progress
• Measure both the product and process
• Flexible
• Actively inform and involve learner

Methods:

• Can be continually adjusted to meet learner needs
• Include all students within a collaborative environment
• Supports all three networks

Materials:

• Media used to present and used by students
• Allign to goals
• Engage learners in becoming pro-active

References

Gordan, D., Meyer, A., & Rose, D. (2016). Universal Design for Learning. CAST Professional Publishing. 

Marin, A. (2022, September 15). What is Universal Design for Learning? Understood. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/universal-design-for-learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works

New Jersey Department of Education. Universal Design for Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/programs/additionalsupports/udl/