Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for learning is a set of principles that can help can address the needs of a diverse classroom. All students learn differently so we have to be able to help maximize their learning. By using the principles of UDL we will be able to minimize some of those barriers that might be in their way due to the curriculum. I have attached a video down below that will give you more information on UDL and how it benefits all the students within your classroom. 

Here are the three principles of UDL and their meaning:

Representation: This is when the teacher provides the students with various ways of acquiring the learning information. 

Action and Expression: This is when we give the students several options for demonstrating what they have learned.

Engagement: This involves tapping into the interest of the students, increasing their motivation to learn and offering appropriate challenges. 

When teachers develop goals using the principles of UDL, what is the main thing that they need to keep in mind? 

When developing curriculum goals using the principles of UDL, the main thing that teachers need to keep in mind is the learning of the children. As a teacher in the classroom our main focus should be on what we want our students to know, do, and care about. The goal is for the students to learn!    

Imagine that you are a second-grade teacher beginning a unit on plants. You wish to make certain that you address the three principles of UDL. 

• To present the information I would have visuals such as sequencing cards, books and also a video from Youtube played on the Smart board demonstrating the growing and changing process of plants. Then we would also discuss the different parts of the plants using various materials. 

"This is a short video of myself and my students during differentiated instruction and as you can see to present the information we watched a video on the Smart board! "

• To assess my students I would allow them to draw, write or use online activities on the computer or iPad to demonstrate what they are learning. The assessment process will technically be on going throughout the unit as I am covering it.

• To maintain their engagement on plants I would allow the students to decide how they would like to explore the topic. I would allow them access to BrainPop Jr videos, games, and activities on the subject of plants. There would be an area in the classroom where they can explore the process of plants growing and changing. I would allow them to have access to seeds and soil to plant a seed of their own. They would also be able to document the process of the plants growing using a camera, journal or an audio recording device.   

"These two pictures are showing the station that I created for my students to explore planting seeds using soil and all the necessary tools needed to achieve that goal." 

  

                                      

Down below, is a picture of my students watching a BrainPop Jr video as a whole group! As you can see all of my students are fully engaged!