Universal Design for LearningAn Educator’s Guide

• ‘flexible curricula that provide students with• multiple ways of accessing content, • multiple means for expressing what they learn, • multiple pathways for engaging their interest

and motivation” (Howard, 2004)

• UDL…”give all individuals equal opportunities to learn” (CAST)

What is UDL?

“…each student (needs) to have access to curriculum in a way that promotes the most learning for that individual” (Howard, 2004)

• Providing multiple levels of text on the same content• Learning about frogs-find books in multiple

reading levels• Digital copies of text with the read aloud

feature

UDL in Action

• Develop Learning Profiles and teach to these learning styles, preferences, intelligences

• Make Choices available – this is more reflective of the real world

UDL in Action

The “how” of learning

• I: Multiple Means of Representation• Recognition Network of the Brain

• II: Multiple Means of Action and Expression• Strategic Network of the Brain

• III: Multiple Means of Engagement• Affective Network of the Brain

Three Principles of UDL and Brain Research

The “what” of learning

The “why” of learning

• Presenting content and information in a variety of ways

• Recognition Network of the brain deals pattern recognition and the brain’s ability to process patterns (Laureate, 2009)

I: Multiple Means of Representation

The “what” of learning

Instructional Examples

• Visual/Auditory/Tactile/Kinesthetic• Different Size Text/Color/Font• Ability to amplify sound• Graphic Organizers w/pictures and text• Manipulative• Anticipatory Guides• Video

I: Multiple Means of Representation

The “what” of learning

• Providing multiple ways for students to show what they know

• Strategic Network of the brain deals with the process, plans and action for plans (Laureate, 2009)

II: Multiple Means of Action and Expression

The “how” of learning

Instructional Examples

• Providing choice – written, verbal, project-based• Different Software• Scaffolding and Activating Background Knowledge• Pair/Share• Cell phones/Student Response Systems• Use of wait time

II: Multiple Means of Action and Expression

The “how” of learning

• Stimulate interest and motivation for learning

• Affective Network of the brain deals with emotions and sorting out what’s important and what’s not (Laureate, 2009)

III: Multiple Means of Engagement

The “why” of learning

Instructional Examples

• Engaging Learners• Working alone, with partners, small group…providing choice

• Material must be relevant and interesting• Bounce Card• Use goal-setting• Providing Choice and Options• Rubrics and Checklists

III: Multiple Means of Engagement

The “why” of learning