Let's Talk About Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Hello Readers! Welcome to today's blog post. I am very excited for our topic today, which is Universal Design for Learning!

Each student in a classroom is unique, with different needs and different preferred methods of learning. So, how do we ensure that we make our instruction so that it is feasible for all of our students? That is where Universal Design for Learning, or UDL for short, comes into play. Universal Design for Learning is an approach used by teachers that makes learning accessible for all students, and works to minimize difficulties in student understanding. When we use UDL in the classroom, it is necessary that we consider the different backgrounds of each and every one of our students. That being said, one size does not fit all, and we must design our instruction so that it is versatile and accommodating to needs of multiple students. We must present our content in different ways that cater to each of our students, give students multiple ways to express understanding, and provide multiple opportunities for engagement. 

Though I am still new to the concept of UDL and have not yet had the opportunity to use it in the classroom, from what I have read about it I certainly understand why it is important. I am a firm believer that all students are different in so many ways, and that a cookie-cutter approach to designing lessons just will not work. Students must be provided with multiple options to be engaged in learning, otherwise some students are not going to have an equal opportunity to succeed. I read an article titled Holistic, Single-point, and Analytic Rubrics, Oh My! which helped me better understand the concept of Universal Design for Learning. In the article, the author Katie Nowak writes a quote that I think perfectly describes UDL: "Students cannot become expert learners without multiple options for engagement, representation and action and expression" (Nowak, 1). I completely agree with this. If students are not taught that there are many different approaches to learning and solving problems, they may not understand that being "smart" has multiple meanings and just because one thing isn't one of their areas of strength doesn't mean that they are not intelligent. Therefore, I believe that Universal Design for Learning not only makes learning achievable for all students, but also helps each of them realize that they are capable of succeeding. 

I would certainly like to learn more about how to use UDL in my instruction, and different approaches that I can use to give all students an equal chance to learn. Though I have learned about different supports to use for English Language Learners and students with disabilities, I would love to be given the opportunity to write a lesson that specifically focuses on using UDL, so that I can practice it. I think it would certainly be helpful for me, as I learn new things by doing them and experiencing them.

One question I have for you all is, have you ever created and/or taught a lesson that is specifically focused on using UDL? If so, what things did you consider and how was the lesson successful in ensuring learning for all students? :)

Sources:

Holistic, Single-point, and Analytic Rubrics, Oh My! (novakeducation.com)