UDL: Elements of Good Teaching

To sum up my previous posts, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a curriculum framework designed to assist educators in meeting the diverse learning needs of students. UDL focuses on three core principles: Multiple Means of Representation, Multiple Means of Expression, and Multiple Means of Engagement. Furthermore, the authors at CAST applied the three principles of UDL to a neuroscience perspective, describing the Recognition Networks, Strategic Networks, and Affective Networks of the  brain, all of which are involved in the process of learning. 

To expand upon my understanding of UDL, I visited this website. The Ohio State Partnership Grant Improving the Quality of Education for Students with Disabilities published the article "Universal Design for Learning: Elements of Good Teaching" to assist educators with implementing UDL into their classrooms. 

The authors of "Universal Design for Learning: Elements of Good Teaching" state the following about the application of UDL: 

"Although this design enables the student to be self-sufficient, the teacher is responsible for imparting knowledge and facilitating the learning process. It should be noted that Universal Design does not remove academic challenges; it removes barriers to access. Simply stated, Universal Design is just good teaching." 

So who benefits from UDL?

• Students who speak English as a second language
• Older students
• Students with disabilities
• Teachers whose teaching style is inconsistent with the learning styles of their students
• ALL STUDENTS!!

Examples of how to implement UDL into your teaching:

• Make class materials available online so that students can access and review information and materials from class
• Incorporate cooperative learning, group discussions, and peer mentoring opportunities
• Use guided notes to enable students to listen for essential concepts rather than copying notes off of an overhead
• Encourage the use of assistive technology in your classroom
• Develop and provide study guides
• Relate new topics to information already learned or concrete, real-life examples  

I found this article to be an excellent tie-in to what I previously learned about UDL. The section of the article that made the greatest impact on me was the aforementioned quote about UDL. I loved the simplicity of the explanation, and personally, my understanding of UDL became a lot clearer after reading this quote.