Universal Design for Learning is a philosophy that uses technology's power and flexibility to create multiple ways of access to instruction for a variety of learners. It encourages teachers to rethink how to set up learning goals, lesson structure and assessments to meet the diverse needs of their students. The principles of UDL as presented by the institute CAST encourage teachers:
1. to provide multiple means of representation of information so that the variety of ways that students acquire information are addressed
2. to provide multiple means of expression so that there are alternatives for students to demonstrate what they know.
3. to provide for many means of engagement to tap into the multiple ways to motivate students (http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/window.php?src=videos). In other words this philosophy focuses on the Big Three: Representation of Info, Expression of Info and Engagement with Info. I think broad approach can provide a different framework for me to think about lesson planning. I am particularly intrigued with the idea of moving into new ways of letting my students demonstrate their mastery of material
CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.0. Wakefield, MA: Author
I found these three Big Ideas to be very helpful when looking into how students learn. How would you use these three ideas in your classroom?
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