“Universal Design” (UD) is a concept that focuses on creating environments, products, or systems that are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities, disabilities, or other characteristics. Originating in architecture and design, it has since been adapted to various fields, including education, technology, and policy-making.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.
UDL principles are simple strategies that can make a lesson richer and structured in a way for students to better understand the content and practice the skills. After analyzing data, and finding what specific things students are struggling with, UDL can be used to implement specific strategies to help particular learners with their individual needs.
UDL is broken up into 3 main categories: Multiple Means of Engagement, Multiple Means of Representation, and Multiple Means of Action and Expression.
First, determine the need of your learner or group of learners. Are they struggling to relate to the material or find motivation? Refer to the Engagement section. Are they struggling with how the content is given to them or need extra help organizing their thoughts?
Refer to the Representation section. Are they struggling to show what they have learned in the way you have given them or struggling to achieve the end goal? Refer to the Action and Expression section.
UDL isn’t meant to be used by perusing the checkpoints and picking whatever sounds nice. What you choose to use should apply to what barriers your lesson may have that may make it harder for students to access it or relate to it. What you list in the UDL column of your lesson plan should evident in the action steps of your lesson plan.
Learn more at the UDL website: https://udlguidelines.cast.org/
Here is an overview video about UDL:
UDL is important for the classroom as it allows for a wide range of skills and physical levels to participate without leaving anyone out. Something interesting about UDL is that it can be free. You don’t need to purchase outside materials and instead can find materials inside the classroom or at home.
The following TEDx talk can help you better understand UDL