Universal Design of Learning

 

Universal Design of Learning

        Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a term that is used to help enhance learning for all students. As seen in the video, UDL is an approach to curriculum that helps diminish barriers and maximize learning to its fullest. It helps create genuine learning opportunities and helps learning to be understood clearly by the students. In reading and researching more about UDL, it was learned in reviewing the chart that there were three categories that are focused on which included engagement, representation, as well as action and expression. Along with these categories, they were divided into sections that included internalize, build, and access. I found this to be quite interesting because it helps librarians and teachers view the guidelines that fall within the UDL framework and focus on each section separately rather than as a whole.

        In looking closely at the UDL guidelines, I found there were a couple that I have practiced continuously within my teaching career. Under the internalize section, these were the guidelines I found myself utilizing. In the representation section, I have seen myself using the activating and supplying background knowledge. For the action and expression, setting appropriate goal-setting was a crucial one as that is always set into gear when prepping lessons to help students achieve the level of knowledge desired. In addition to the internalize section, the build section also met some guidelines being practiced. For the representation category, clarifying vocabulary, symbols, syntax, structure, and supporting the decoding of text is a great step in maximizing learning as it helps clarify unknown concepts to help students achieve their academic success to its fullest.

        Aside from focusing on what I am utilizing in my classroom, I also focused on looking at what other guidelines I could implement within my teaching practice at this time. From the representation and build section, I would like to focus on how to illustrate through multiple medias. I feel that this would be a great addition as it can help meet students their different learning preferences. For the action and expression section under the build, I would like to view the multiple tools for construction and composition. Most students tend to struggle when having to write. Therefore, it would be a great addition to the teaching practice to help view the different tools that can help students express their ideas. Although there are many guidelines to choose from, I feel that these would be the best ones I would like to see in action to gain perspective of how I could implement them in my own classroom.

        When considering UDL and all its guidelines, there are so many aspects to think about. I would like to continue exploring how UDL can be utilized in the library in addition to the use of technology. I feel that with UDL so many different aspects can be hit for one’s learning which can help many reach success. With the use of technology, it could help make learning more accessible helping learners understand it better. After all, UDL was created to help meet the students needs in unique ways. (Boothe, Lohmann, & Owiny, 2020) Technology use is a world full of learning opportunities which allow students to use what makes them feel comfortable. With the use of technology it helps provide a better understanding as well as a choice for student which helps provide flexibility which has choice and creativity which could help enhance their learning experience. (Boothe, Lohmann, & Owiny, 2020, p. 15) The library is all for students reaching their full potential and what better way to do this by including UDL and technology. It is a world full of adventure; however, if students are not able to understand what is being learned then they will lose focus and be unsuccessful. By incorporating UDL, it can help provide success in students expressing their knowledge in other formats that are not paper and pencil. (Robinson, 2017 p. 2) This is where the technology can come into play in academics and the library. As stated, “Students at all levels can produce a variety of research-based products that can serve as alternatives to traditional research papers.” (Robinson, 2017, p. 6) This would be a great tool to utilize with students as they are allowed to expand their learning preference and find what works best for them to show their true potentials and succeed.

        Overall, learning about UDL has been understood to be the key to success as it helps meet the needs of all learners providing an opportunity to be successful. As read, “UDL provides the ideal framework to collaborative curriculum planning and implementation to meet these needs.” (Robinson, 2017 p. 6) Learning should not be intimidating which is where UDL steps in to enhance learning while limiting the barriers that affect one’s learning. I look forward to continue learning about UDL as it seems to be the best strategy for all learners success.

 

 

Resources

AEM Takeaways - AEM Center. (2023, May 24). AEM Center. https://aem.cast.org/get-started/aem-takeaways

Blue, E. V., & Pace, D. (2011). UD and UDL: Paving the Way Toward Inclusion and Independence in the School Library. Knowledge Quest, 39(3).

Boothe, Kathleen A.; Lohmann, Marla J.; and Owiny, Ruby (2020) "Enhancing Student Learning in the Online Instructional Environment Through the Use of Universal Design for Learning," Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research: Vol. 22: Iss. 1.

CAST. (2010). UDL At A Glance [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDvKnY0g6e4

Robinson, D. E. (2017). Universal Design For Learning and School Libraries — A Logical Partnership. Knowledge Quest, 6(1).

UDL: about the graphic organizer. (n.d.). https://udlguidelines.cast.org/more/about-graphic-organizer

UDL: Enhance capacity for monitoring progress. (n.d.). https://udlguidelines.cast.org/action-expression/executive-functions/monitoring-progress/monitoring-progress

UDL: Foster collaboration and community. (n.d.). https://udlguidelines.cast.org/engagement/effort-persistence/collaboration-community