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 Universal Design for Learning

Flexible strategies for all students.  One size does not fit all.

 

 

 

 

 

 



  

How convenient is it when your hands are full, you happen upon a handicap door, all you need to do is push the button and the door will open for you? How about when you are walking with a rolling backpack and there is a slant in the curb so you don't have to roll your backpack over the curb?  Both of these are examples of UDL. 

 

In education, UDL focuses on three core principles:

 

1. Representation - Information and content are presented in different ways:  referred to as the "what"

 

2. Expression - Differentiate ways that students can express what they know:  referred to as the "how"

 

3. Engagement - Stimulate interest and motivation for learning:  referred to as the "why"

There are so many ways that UDL can be used in a classroom.  It can designed for one student and benefit the entire class.  UDL makes learning more stimulating, as it adds more dimension to the typical classroom.  Some examples for varying learners in a classroom include:

  • The use of an ipad for text to speech or speech to text, among numerous other apps that can assist a variety of learning disabled students.

  • Keyboards that are geared to assist Autistic students or other students who have difficulty with speech.  These can be used with a computer, ipad and/or phone.

  • The use of Scrabble tiles can be used for a student to spell out words rather than using traditional paper and pencil writing.  Alphabetical order can be learned by lining up the Scrabble letters.  

  • Manipulatives such as Pattern Blocks, Unifix Cubes and Tangrams facilitate students learning mathematical concepts.

  • The use of Smartboards, overhead projectors and/or white boards for visual displays help those who benefit from a very visual approach. Presenting the students with their own individual white boards to follow along is also an option.

CAST is an educational and research developmental organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all students through UDL

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