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Universal Design for Learning
UDL helps educators create inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles and needs.
By valuing every perspective, we can create an equitable environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
To make this happen, we can take small steps in our daily practice. One approach is to use UDL when creating learning materials, planning class activities, and assessing learning.
What is UDL?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an inclusive approach to college operations, teaching, and learning. It promotes high achievement for all students through flexibility, community, and active learning, requiring a campus-wide effort from all staff members.
UDL Guidelines
The UDL Guidelines show how to make instructional practices, learning materials, and classrooms more inclusive for all learners. The three UDL principles are:
- Multiple Means of Engagement: This principle helps students stay engaged by using their strengths and interests.
- Multiple Means of Representation: This principle helps learners understand complex information in different ways.
- Multiple Means of Action and Expression: This principle empowers students to express themselves creatively and independently.
The Engagement Principle
Engagement is key to the UDL framework. We want students to feel motivated, happy, and purposeful. To do this, consider:
- Building community and hearing all voices
- Sharing personal experiences
- Making learning relevant
- Being transparent and consistent
- Communicating on student-used platforms
- Setting high expectations
The Representation Principle
Our students have different backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs. To help them become resourceful and knowledgeable, we provide multiple ways to access and use course content. Here are some ideas to get started:
- Teach key concepts beforehand
- Accessible documents
- Multiple formats
- Clear language
- Explain new vocabulary and symbols
Action and Expression
The final UDL pillar is action and expression. This is how students show what they’ve learned. Make assessments flexible, authentic, and transparent to help all students learn better. Let students demonstrate their learning in a meaningful way. Avoid restrictive assessments that can discourage students. Instead, focus on what students know, not how they show it. Try these strategies:
- Set goals with students
- Offer multiple chances to demonstrate learning in a way that matters to them
- Make sure assessments measure learning goals, not other skills
- Provide feedback opportunities
- Consider offering choice in assessment format
UDL is important in higher ed because students come from diverse backgrounds with different experiences, strengths, and learning styles. They may be English language learners, mature students, students with disabilities, or have different learning styles, domestic demands, or resources.
A UDL approach replaces lecture-based teaching with methods that build partnerships, focus on engagement, and offer flexibility. This leads to more inclusive, enjoyable, and meaningful learning for both students and teachers, resulting in higher retention, engagement, and better outcomes. It also saves time by reducing individual accommodations.
The Importance of Accessibility
ATU empowers students to succeed by understanding each one’s unique skills, experiences, and needs. We create inclusive learning spaces, materials, and courses by prioritizing accessibility.
Accommodations vs. Accessibility
Accommodations remove barriers for individuals. Accessibility creates a more inclusive environment.
Inaccessible design keeps people from learning. Accommodations are one-time changes for a specific person or group who face barriers. Universal Design anticipates barriers and makes learning accessible for all from the start.
Case Studies
ATU is working on projects across the country and around the world. Below are examples of how to apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in your practice. The John Kelly Award recognizes teachers who use UDL to create inclusive learning experiences. The award celebrates and promotes UDL in education. ATU won the first Collaborative award in 2022, and seven staff members have been finalists since 2019. View their presentations below.