Universal Design for Learning

When designing instruction, it is crucial to ensure that all learning environments, activities, and assessments recognize and validate student learner differences. Following Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, acknowledging student identity and experiences, and incorporating inclusive teaching strategies serves students in supporting them to attain their highest learning potential. 

Following Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that encourages inclusive course design and teaching approaches that improve and optimize learning for all students. It focuses on accessible and inclusive teaching and design principles, which is considered integral to creating effective learning environments, activities, and assessments. There are three main UDL principles:
 

• Provide Multiple Means of Engagement--this principle addresses the “WHY” of learning and focuses on providing students options for recruiting interest, sustaining effort and persistence, and helping students with self-regulation.

 

• Provide Multiple Means of Representation--this principle addresses the “WHAT” of learning and focuses on providing students options with regards to perception, language and symbols, and comprehension

 

• Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression--this principle addresses the “HOW” of learning and focuses on providing students options for physical action, expression and communication, and executive functions. Having alternative assessments can be a good way to provide students agency and choice.

 
The UDL design framework can be integrated with other instructional strategies and models such as - but not limited to - the ADDIE model. One important thing to always consider is that UDL strives to create equitable learning environments for all students.
 

Acknowledging Student Identity and Experiences

Acknowledging and recognizing that students bring a range of experiences to the learning environment is a foundational first step when it comes to engaging in UDL. Having a firm understanding of the wide range of those experiences can also help identify barriers and challenges to learning so that they can be proactively mitigated and addressed in the design process. The following resources provide information on how to design for individual student learning needs. 
 

• Universal Design for Learning in Institutions of Higher Education
• Teaching First-Generation College Students
• Teaching First-Year Students
• Teaching International Students

Incorporating Inclusive Teaching Strategies

Inclusive teaching strategies play an integral role in UDL. They recognize the many different facets of student identity and learning preferences to ensure that everyone has more agency and choice in learning processes. Ultimately, inclusive teaching relies on the Design of Inclusive Assessments and the Modeling of Inclusive Language. It is always important to remember how to Handle Difficult Moments with Respect & Sensitivity in class to ensure a healthy, welcoming, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all students.