Universal Design for Learning (Part 2): UDL Guidelines

Summary

The video introduces Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework designed to enhance educational access and success for all students. It outlines three core principles: providing multiple means of engagement to motivate learners, offering diverse means of representation to enhance understanding, and enabling various forms of action and expression for students to demonstrate their knowledge. Each principle corresponds to specific neurocognitive networks, emphasizing the importance of addressing why, what, and how learning occurs. The video suggests practical strategies for implementing these principles across disciplines, adaptable to different teaching environments and student needs.

Takeaways

• 📚 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework aimed at reducing barriers in the classroom and increasing access to learning opportunities.
• 🎯 The three UDL principles are: multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression.
• 💡 Multiple means of engagement addresses students' motivation by activating their 'WHY' networks, connecting learning to their interests.
• 🧠 Providing multiple means of representation activates the 'WHAT' networks, aiding students in building deeper conceptual understandings.
• 🔄 Multiple means of action and expression engage the 'HOW' networks, allowing students to demonstrate knowledge in varied ways.
• 👥 Instructors can motivate learners through group work, discussions, and allowing topic choices within assignments.
• 📊 Diverse presentation of information includes using text, visuals, and audio formats to cater to different learning styles.
• 📝 Rubrics can help clarify expectations and provide detailed instructions for assignments and assessments.
• 📹 Recording class sessions provides students with resources for review and exam preparation.
• 🔄 Flexibility in demonstrating learning outcomes can include options like in-class or pre-recorded presentations, and low-stakes assignments encourage learning progression.

Q & A

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

UDL is a design framework that instructors use to reduce barriers for students in the classroom and increase access to opportunities for success. It focuses on providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression.

Who developed the UDL framework?

The UDL framework was developed by the Center for Applied and Special Technologies (CAST) and the National Center on Universal Design for Learning.

What are the three core principles of UDL?

The three core principles of UDL are: 1) Multiple Means of Engagement, 2) Multiple Means of Representation, and 3) Multiple Means of Action and Expression.

How does 'Multiple Means of Engagement' support learning?

'Multiple Means of Engagement' activates the 'WHY' networks in the brain, which address questions like 'Why should I learn this?' or 'When will I use this information?'. It helps engage learners by connecting them to the material and motivating them.

What types of activities can instructors use to engage students, according to UDL?

Instructors can engage students by offering both group and individual work, creating opportunities for online and face-to-face discussion, and allowing students to choose topics within assignment parameters based on their own interests.

What is the purpose of 'Multiple Means of Representation' in UDL?

'Multiple Means of Representation' activates the 'WHAT' networks in the brain, which process and recognize content. It allows students to access information in various formats, such as text, visuals, and audio, helping them develop deeper conceptual understandings.

How can instructors present information using 'Multiple Means of Representation'?

Instructors can present information by integrating readings, videos, visuals, infographics, and lectures. Additionally, they can record class sessions and provide rubrics with detailed instructions and examples.

What role does 'Multiple Means of Action and Expression' play in learning?

'Multiple Means of Action and Expression' activates the 'HOW' networks in the brain, allowing students to demonstrate their learning in different ways. This principle helps students transform learned information into something meaningful and new.

How can instructors offer different ways for students to demonstrate learning?

Instructors can offer students flexibility in how they demonstrate learning outcomes, such as choosing between an in-class or pre-recorded presentation, offering feedback and revision opportunities, and using low-stakes assignments.

What are some examples of how technology can be used in UDL?

Technology can be used in UDL to provide free and low-cost tools for learning. These might include digital recordings of classes, interactive online platforms, or apps that offer varied formats for presenting content and facilitating engagement.