Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
What is UDL?
CAST-Transforming Education through Universal Design for Learning - At this website you can learn about UDL and find tools that will support you in using it in your classroom.
UDL Principles
Multiple Means of Engagement
Students differ markedly in the ways in which they can be engaged or motivated to learn. Some students are highly engaged by spontaneity and novelty while other are disengaged, even frightened, by those aspects, preferring strict routine. In reality, there is no one means of representation that will be optimal for all students; providing multiple options for engagement is essential.
Multiple Means of Representation
Students differ in the ways that they perceive and comprehend information. For example, those with sensory disabilities, learning disabilities, language or cultural differences, and so forth may all require different ways of approaching content. Others may simply grasp information better through visual or auditory means rather than printed text. In reality, there is no one means of representation that will be optimal for all students; providing options in representation is essential.
Multiple Means of Action and Expression
Students differ in the ways that they can navigate a learning environment and express what they know. For example, individuals with significant motor disabilities, those who struggle with strategic and organizational abilities, those who have language barriers, and so forth approach learning tasks very differently. Some may be able to express themselves well in writing text but not oral speech, and vice versa. In reality, there is no one means of expression that will be optimal for all students; providing options for expression is essential.
The information about the UDL Principles is from the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines on the CAST website. Visit the website for deeper explanations and links to other resources.
Click here to download a chart detailing how to implement the UDL Principles.
Students differ markedly in the ways in which they can be engaged or motivated to learn. Some students are highly engaged by spontaneity and novelty while other are disengaged, even frightened, by those aspects, preferring strict routine. In reality, there is no one means of representation that will be optimal for all students; providing multiple options for engagement is essential.
Multiple Means of Representation
Students differ in the ways that they perceive and comprehend information. For example, those with sensory disabilities, learning disabilities, language or cultural differences, and so forth may all require different ways of approaching content. Others may simply grasp information better through visual or auditory means rather than printed text. In reality, there is no one means of representation that will be optimal for all students; providing options in representation is essential.
Multiple Means of Action and Expression
Students differ in the ways that they can navigate a learning environment and express what they know. For example, individuals with significant motor disabilities, those who struggle with strategic and organizational abilities, those who have language barriers, and so forth approach learning tasks very differently. Some may be able to express themselves well in writing text but not oral speech, and vice versa. In reality, there is no one means of expression that will be optimal for all students; providing options for expression is essential.
The information about the UDL Principles is from the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines on the CAST website. Visit the website for deeper explanations and links to other resources.
Click here to download a chart detailing how to implement the UDL Principles.
Resources for UDL Implementation
Free Technology Toolkit for UDL in All Classrooms - Links to all kinds of free resources to provide students with the tools they need to access and learn the curriculum.