Universal Design for Learning: Creating a Learning Environment that Challenges and Engages All Students
Wrap Up
One of the primary objectives of UDL is to challenge and engage all students. UDL stipulates that teachers present information in a variety of ways, allow students options for learning and demonstrating their knowledge, and incorporate practices that maximize student engagement. In this way, UDL enables students with a range of differences in their abilities to access the content and skills taught in the general education classroom. By using the three principles of representation, action and expression, and engagement when designing their lesson plans, teachers can reduce or eliminate barriers that may impede students’ learning or interfere with their ability to demonstrate their learning. Additionally, a teacher must know the intent of the learning goal for the lesson or unit. When this has been accomplished, he or she can allow students to access (i.e., instructional materials and methods) and demonstrate their learning (i.e., assessment) in multiple ways.
With your preferences or needs in mind, choose one of the formats below to access a summary of Universal Design for Learning as presented by David Rose and Grace Meo.
Revisiting Initial Thoughts
Think back to your initial responses to the following questions. After working through the resources in this Module, do you agree with your Initial Thoughts? If not, what aspects of your answers would you change?
How can teachers at Sycamore Middle School meet the educational needs of all of their students?
To meet the needs of the widest range of students, what should teachers consider when planning their instruction?
When you are ready, proceed to the Assessment section.
