Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach which lowers barriers in the mainstream classroom, identifies the pinch points all learners experience and offers solutions that improve the experience of all learners.
UDL benefits every student, whatever their experience, background, ethnicity or ability. UDL lowers barriers to learning by creating a learning environment that engages students, giving them a greater voice and choice in their own learning.
The three principles of UDL are:
- Provide multiple means of engagement. The ‘WHY’ of learning concerns how we as teachers gain the attention of our students and hold it throughout the course.
- Provide multiple means of representation. The ‘WHAT’ of learning concerns how teachers present knowledge and content. How to identify those “pinch-points” where students always get stuck and to find different ways of putting the content across.
- Provide multiple means of action and expression. The ‘HOW’ of learning concerns actively involving students in the learning process. Allowing them to demonstrate their learning through different activities and by learning how to learn.