If a child can’t LEARN the way we teach, maybe we should TEACH the way they learn.”
-Ignacio Estrad
One of my favorite trainings to present was UDL- Universal Design for Learning. Although, I would present it from a special education point of view, this way of teaching benefits all students. We typically began the training by clarifying that UDL is for all students. If all teachers were to integrate UDL into their teaching, they would meet the needs of every student in their class.
UDL has three main components- the what, the how, and the why of learning. The what is presenting content in multiple ways, the how is allowing students to show their learning in multiple ways, and the why is multiple means of engagement. This is all about how information and content is presented to students, how students are showing what they know/learned, and how students are engaged. All students benefit from UDL, students with disabilities, English language learners, gifted and talented, and economically disadvantaged.
Teachers may initially feel like UDL is more work when creating lesson plans that incorporate UDL but in reality, by meeting the needs of all students in every lesson, they would spend less time re-teaching struggling students or having to supplement lessons for students who may be bored in class. There is so much information on UDL so I’ve added links below.
Comment below on your thoughts or questions about UDL!
National Center on Universal Design for Learning-
Here is a link that provides more information about UDL-
Click to access UDL_Familiesfactsheets.pdf