Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework based on research in the education sciences that leads the development of flexible learning environments that can include individual learning differentiation. The practice of UDL makes efficient use of scaffolds. Scaffolds are temporary supports, habitually given by an authority or teacher in a field, that enable novices in that field to build knowledge or skills efficiently (Meyer, Rose, & Gordon, 2014).
To optimize learning novices use the structured teaching and guidelines. Three primary principles guide UDL and provide the underlying structure for the guidelines:
- Provide multiple means of representation: Present content and information in multiple media and provide different supports. Use graphics and animations, highlight the relevant features, activate background knowledge, and support vocabulary so that the learners can obtain the knowledge being taught.
- Provide multiple means of action and expression: Provide learners plenty of opportunities for showing what they know and give models, feedback, and support for their different levels of ability.
- Provide multiple means of engagement: Provide learners options to feed their interests and autonomy. Encourage them risk mistakes and learn from them.
When designing the course, something that we should always keep in mind is to know what our objective is, and how could we differentiate instruction according to the needs of our students.
References
CAST 01 (2010). UDL At A Glance Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDvKnY0g6e4
Meyer, A., Rose, D.H., Gordon, D. (2014) Universal Design for Learning – Theory and Practice. Retrieved from http://udltheorypractice.cast.org/login
