This UDL framework is something I have been interested in implementing more into my classroom. One strategy a professor of mine used recently was adding an option on assignments to propose your own assignment that fit with the theme. I want to use this in my own secondary classroom. Although, I never used it because of time constraints it seemed a great way to incorporate UDL. This same professor also allowed turning in assignments multiple ways; an academic paper, a multimedia presentation, etc. This really helped me. It takes me longer to write than to make a presentation and talk on it while recording it so I almost always choose that option as a way to show mastery on a topic.
I had a college professor years ago who allowed us to write a term paper or type our notes as part of the curriculum. He did this because had many foreign students who did not speak English well. I think this was likely a lowering of the standards, but he allowed everyone to choose rather than applying a different standard. I think that's the challenge here. I don't think it would be acceptable to allow a different standard for one group and not the other. The student should be able to choose.
UDL should be like when you show up to a friends house for a pot luck dinner. You may not choose everything, but you can choose the stuff you want to.
UDL needs to have multiple paths to the learning targets and also employ multiple manners in which students can express or communicate their learning. It is mostly about being creative and flexible for each student.
I am new to UDL and am currently just learning about the topic. What I have learned thus far is that UDL believes that information, demonstration of skills, and learner engagement should be flexible enough to invite learners from all backgrounds to participate and show understanding of the material.
Honestly I'm having a hard time really conceptualizing exactly what this framework entails at this point. Must be my own needs for differentiated learning. I suspect I'll gain more clarity as I move through this course module.
Utilizing UDL will encourage a more authentic and personal approach to teaching. Each student deserves to chance to learn and be taught in a way that works for them.
People learn in a multitude of different ways and we need to play to their strengths. UDL is the guideline to make sure everyone can learn in our environment. It is a best practice for most things in life, not just teaching.
I believe that I practice this because I have had a really diverse group of students in the past and continue to have diverse students in my classes.
i need to work to make my classes fit everyone no matter the background or skill level.
The UDL framework is new for me. I am looking forward to learning more in future modules. I feel like I need a better understanding of assessment and implementation to make informed decisions on how I would (or would not) employ this concept.
Comment on Chris Napier's post: Chris and those a major focus of Perkin V.
I have actually seen this udl in my traing here with cte. Lots of the trainings give the the read out load option which I love and some don't. I learn best by listening not reading.
This is all new to me. Looking forward to learning more so that I can apply UDL in my classroom
I am still working through this concept, but I can see that once I figure out my comfort zone that I will be able to improve my approach to teaching.
UDL can assist educators in providing equality within the classroom so that all students have the opportunity to learn
Discussion Question: what have you learned about UDL and how you intend to apply it.
After completing this first module, I have learned that the UDL approach to curriculum and pedagogy meets each learner at their personal level. It allows each learner the flexiblity to learn, engage, and show their mastery in content. The backbone of UDL is looking at the whole child, their struggles, their strenths, and their learning goals and thus giving them individualed support and guidence through their learning journey. While in theory UDL has a lot of potential and prospect of success, I struggle to wrap by brain around how to implement and organize a class around this flexible structure as I am one that needs organization, deadlines, etc to thrive. This learning modality feels very overwhelming to incorporate and I hope in the following modules I learn how education professionals have made this work in their CTE content areas.
It is important for instructor to have a universal design for teaching.
Universal Design for Learning allows instructors to increase differentiation of instruction.
UDL seems like an incredibly humane approach to learning. By offering mulptiple ways to access content and choice in how the learning is displayed, students will feel more engaged in the class and take more ownership for their learning. Win win!
I'm in my second year and I have learned that the best results are from presenting , kinesthetic, audible, and sight. And the bad thing is that it's hard for me to pick up what some students are.
