Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is all about creating classrooms where every student can thrive. It’s a way of teaching that recognizes we all learn differently and aims to give everyone a fair shot at success. This concept doesn’t differ among age levels, but the way you implement these changes do. I have listed some of the ways that I implemented UDL concepts in my college classroom and peppered in some idea that could be used in K-12 classrooms as well. The bottom line isn’t rocket science: teach students to engage with lessons, offer them the material in a variety of modes, and let them show what they’ve learned in ways that are meaningful to them.
Multiple Means of Engagement:
Getting students excited about learning is key. Start by explaining why assignments matter – how they connect to course goals or future careers. Show examples of great work to give students a clear picture of what they’re aiming for. When giving feedback, focus on what students are doing right, not just what needs improvement.
Use class time for brainstorming and planning – this gets creative juices flowing. Have students grade their own work using your rubric before turning it in. It’s a great way to get them thinking critically about their efforts. Add personal touches to assignments, like challenge questions, to make them more meaningful. When doing group projects, set clear guidelines to encourage teamwork. Frame your instructions positively, telling students what to do rather than what not to do. And don’t forget to teach the behaviors you want to see in class – it sets the tone for a positive learning environment.
Multiple Means of Representation:
We all learn differently, so mix up how you present information. Start each class by linking back to the previous lesson – it helps build a bigger picture. Give a sneak peek of what you’ll be covering, then dive in, and wrap up with a summary. It’s like telling them what you’ll teach, teaching it, and then reminding them what they learned.
Use both visual aids (like charts or diagrams) and verbal explanations. Show students how to practice what they’re learning. Use sentence starters and teach the academic language necessary to help students communicate their learning. Keep important info visible in the classroom – it’s a handy reference for students. Spice things up with videos or animated GIFs that illustrate your points. When it fits, appeal to emotions to make content more memorable. And always think about how you’d teach if you were focusing only on your struggling students – it often leads to strategies that benefit everyone.
Multiple Means of Action and Expression:
Let students show what they know in different ways. Think beyond essays and exams – maybe a student could create a video or give a presentation instead. Have a clear idea of what basic, good, and excellent work looks like, and teach accordingly.
Tailor tasks to challenge students at their level. Allow concept maps instead of traditional outlines. Keep things simple by using just a few platforms for sharing info with students, but present that info in lots of different ways.
Get students out of their seats and moving around – it’s great for kinesthetic learners. Try having the whole class answer questions together out loud. And don’t forget to celebrate often – recognizing progress, big or small, keeps motivation high.
Conclusion:
By embracing UDL, we’re creating classrooms where all students can succeed. It’s about being flexible, creative, and responsive to our students’ needs. As we use these strategies, we’re not just teaching better – we’re building a more inclusive education system that values every learner. The path to universal design in our classrooms is a journey, but it’s one that’s well worth taking. With each step, we’re creating spaces where all our students can grow, learn, and shine.
Bryan Cichy-Parker, Ph.D.
June 23, 2024