Universal Design for Learning

A presentation by Shari Burgess Bouis

What is Universal Design for Learning?

• Access to learning• Curriculum includes

alternatives • Makes the curriculum

accessible and appropriate • Emphasizes the unique

nature of each individual• Awareness of the need to

accommodate differences

UDL Helps Teachers

• Provides a framework that helps teachers differentiate instruction

• Carefully articulated goals• Individualized materials,

methods, and assessment

What is the origin of UDL?

• Universal Design for Learning is an extension of an architectural movement called Universal Design

• Addressing the diverse needs of special populations increases access for everyone

Brain Research

The

Learning Brain

Recognition Networks

StrategicNetworks

AffectiveNetworks

This slide shows the relationships between the three networks of the learning brain, recognition networks, strategic networks, and affective networks. The learning brain is comprised of all three networks, and the graphical representation shows that all three networks are equally important.

The Learning Brain

Three primary networks are equally essential to learning

1. Recognition Network

2. Strategic Network

3. Affective NetworkThis clip art selection shows the human brain within the skeletal system.

Recognition Networks

• Sense and assign meaning to patterns

• Identify and understand information, ideas, and concepts

• Traditional curricula focuses on recognition

Strategic Networks

• Generate and oversee mental and motor patterns

• Enables us to plan, execute, and monitor actions and skills

Affective Networks

• Evaluate patterns and assign them emotional significance

• Enable us to engage with tasks and learning and with the world around us

This clip art selection from Microsoft shows a happy face hugging the earth.

Instructional Media

• Flexibility in media is key to opening doors to learning for students

• Media such as books and speech are inflexible – may create barriers to learning

• Digital text, sound, images, and Web – can be adjusted to open doors to learning

An example where speech may be a barrier to

learning

• Students who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rarely have trouble recognizing speech

• Students with ADHD may have trouble understanding speech

Digital Media

• Flexibility allows digital media to meet diverse students’ needs

Students enjoy working with a web camera and headphones at a computer work station.

Implications for Educators

UDL Framework relies on 3 principles

1. Provide multiple, flexible methods of presentation

2. Provide multiple, flexible methods for students’ action and expression

3. Provide multiple ways to engage students’ interest and motivation

UDL Applications for Educators

• Set clear goals

• Individualize instruction

• Assess Progress

Focus on Learning

• UDL provides a framework for individualizing learning

• Standards-based environment

• Flexible pedagogy and tools • Teachers must incorporate

flexibility into instructional methods and materials

• Accommodate every student in the classroom

Resources

Rose, D. H., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) http://www.cast.org/