Universal Design for Learning

By: Briana Marsh

What is UDL?• Universal design is the design of products

and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

-Ron Mace

Examples:

A ramp is built into the buildings structure rather than simply adding on a ramp.

The elevator is built into the center of the stairwell so that people with wheel chairs are able to access the top floor.

Guidelines for UDL:

Provide Multiple Means of Representation

Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression

Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

Multiple Means of Representation:This means that every unique child will be able to understand and make sense of the material that is being taught to them.

Multiple Means of Action and Expression:

• This guideline is used in UDL because students express themselves in a variety of different ways. This concept will allow the children to express themselves in a way that best suits each unique child.

Multiple Means of Engagement:• In order to allow the children to express themselves in

a variety of ways, we must provide them with numerous ways to keep them engaged. Providing opportunities to allow children to explore their own self-interests will keep them more engaged in the classroom.

Components of UDL:• What are the goals of UDL?- How do we translate standards into the this custom curriculum?

• What are the materials that are going to be used in the classroom

- Are these materials key to learning and are they universally designed?

• What are the methods used?- Does the teacher use collaborative group projects, lectures, and or provide

the students with real life experiences?

• What are the means of assessment?- How can you be sure that the students are truly learning?

Implementing UDL in the classroom:• Identify barriers in the curriculum that may be a problem for

some of the unique learners. • Work with other teachers as a team in order to create a

learning environment that supports UDL• Administrators need to validate the hard-work that goes into

the UDL• Administrators should act as cheer leaders to other staff

members who are implementing UDL into their classrooms.