Seeing UDL in Action in the Classroom

Summary

Eric Crouch, a fifth-grade teacher, reflects on his journey as a learner and educator, shaped by his own struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment where students can explore their learning in diverse ways. Crouch advocates for giving students control over their learning process, allowing them to work in spaces that suit their needs. By embracing flexibility and creativity, he fosters an atmosphere where students can showcase their talents, pursue their passions, and engage deeply with the content, ultimately becoming empowered learners.

Takeaways

• 😀 The teacher, Eric Crouch, shares a personal journey as a student with ADHD and how it shapes his approach to teaching.
• 😀 The teacher emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel supported, regardless of their learning challenges.
• 😀 Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, with the teacher guiding them to discover what works best for them.
• 😀 The classroom is designed with flexibility, offering various centers and seating options to cater to different learning styles and needs.
• 😀 Teachers must be willing to relinquish control and allow students to lead their own learning journeys, preparing them for real-world responsibilities.
• 😀 Learning is made more interactive and personalized by using different resources like short videos, small group discussions, and hands-on activities.
• 😀 The teacher creates opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning creatively, such as writing songs or baking cakes to represent historical events.
• 😀 Understanding students’ passions and talents is key to motivating them and allowing them to showcase their knowledge in meaningful ways.
• 😀 The teacher’s flexibility and willingness to adapt to students’ needs, including giving them free seating and work preferences, helps build a supportive learning community.
• 😀 Through a Universal Design approach, the classroom dynamics change, encouraging students to take charge of where and with whom they work based on their specific needs for each subject.

Q & A

How does Eric Crouch’s personal learning experience influence his teaching approach?

Eric's struggles in school, particularly with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), deeply influence his teaching. He empathizes with students who have similar challenges and designs his classroom environment and teaching methods to ensure that all students, regardless of their learning needs, feel supported and empowered.

What is the importance of giving students a sense of ownership in their learning process?

Eric emphasizes that students need to take ownership of their learning because it empowers them to become responsible for their future roles in society, such as doctors and community leaders. By giving them control over how they learn, it helps them develop critical thinking skills and prepares them for real-world challenges.

What role does flexibility play in Eric Crouch’s teaching philosophy?

Flexibility is central to Eric’s approach. He allows students to choose their seating, learn in environments that suit their needs, and explore different ways of showing understanding. This adaptability ensures that students are comfortable and engaged, leading to more effective learning.

How does Eric Crouch incorporate hands-on learning in his classroom?

Eric recognizes that students engage differently with hands-on learning. He provides resources like videos, small group discussions, and activity stations for students who benefit from interactive learning. This variety in approach ensures that students can access learning in ways that best suit them.

Why does Eric Crouch avoid controlling every aspect of his classroom?

Eric has learned that giving up control to the students fosters a more dynamic and student-centered environment. By relinquishing some control, students are given the opportunity to discover how they learn best, which in turn makes them more engaged and responsible for their education.

What does Eric Crouch mean by 'giving students free choice' in the classroom?

Free choice refers to allowing students to choose where they sit, who they work with, and how they learn. This autonomy helps students feel more in control of their educational experience and fosters a sense of responsibility in their learning process.

How does Eric Crouch encourage students to demonstrate their understanding?

Eric encourages students to express their understanding in creative ways. For example, students have made songs about historical events or baked cakes to illustrate a story’s structure. This variety in projects allows students to showcase their learning in ways that align with their strengths and interests.

What does Eric Crouch believe is the ultimate purpose of understanding students’ passions?

Eric believes that students’ passions are key to solving the world’s problems. By identifying and fostering these passions in the classroom, educators can help students become not only better learners but also problem-solvers who contribute positively to society.

How does Eric Crouch view the classroom setup in relation to student learning?

Eric’s classroom is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, with areas dedicated to different types of work. This design allows students to choose learning environments that suit their individual needs, whether they require more interactive or focused spaces.

What is the significance of Eric Crouch’s approach to universal design in his classroom?

Universal design in Eric’s classroom involves creating an environment where all students can access resources and materials suited to their learning styles. This inclusive design helps students become more aware of their own learning preferences and enhances their overall educational experience.