Universal Design for Learning

My FAVOURITE educational framework

*Even though I'm writing this based on my experience of being an Alberta teacher, I think that this post will have messages that can apply universally - good learning can happen anywhere.

A lot of teachers will already be familiar with UDL. This is where I want to start in the parent-education space, because it's a framework that can really facilitate learning. UDL stands for Universal Design for Learning and it is attributed to Dr. David Rose and the CAST (Centre for Applied Special Technology) organization. Based on neuroscience, UDL lays out a framework for great learning.

There are three sections of the UDL framework, and what I love about this is that it gives educators (not only teachers, but parents and caregivers as well) a lot of choice in how to teach their unique learner.

1. Multiple Means of Representation

2. Multiple Means of Expression

3. Multiple Means of Engagement

See what I mean about choice?! 'Multiple Means' essentially means using different strategies to get to the same goal. Let's break each one of these sections down a little further.

1. Multiple Means of Representation

This is all about how the educator shows or tells the information to the learner. Some people learn information really quickly when they read it. Others may prefer to listen to the information in the form of a podcast or audiobook. Sometimes, a video is a great way to represent information. Below are some other ways to represent information:

• Story telling

• Picture Books

• Visual Art

• Movies

• Songs

• Toys

• Building

• Conversations

• Experiments

2. Multiple Means of Expression

Now that your learner has received the information because you used multiple means of representation, they have to do something to show their understanding of the new ideas. This is where multiple means of expression becomes really important. A lot of traditional education is centered around having learners write about what they've learned - but this puts up a barrier for people who can't yet express themselves fully through writing. Below are a couple of ideas of how learners can show their understanding:

• Digital presentations (slideshows)

• Conversations

• Action (educator observes what the learner is doing, learner doesn't have to say anything)

• Art projects

• Teaching others

• Building models/dioramas

• Fixing errors

• Self-Reflection

3. Multiple Means of Engagement

This is where knowing your learner really well comes in. Multiple means of engagement is all about how an educator can support a learner in staying engaged in their learning task(s). For some people, working collaboratively is very motivating and leads to their best work. For others, working independently produces their best products. It's the same for our littlest of learners, and our largest. Offering choice in how a learner engages with a learning task allows the learner to take more accountability and ownership over their work, while also making learning more enjoyable. Some examples to think about are:

• Collaboration/independent work

• Environmental tools that support focus (ex: flexible seating, quiet areas, fidgets, areas for movement, break options, etc.)

• Blocks of time set aside for a project vs. distributed practice over a longer time frame

• Opportunities to make the learning more or less challenging

• Explicitly explaining why the learning is important, how it links to previous or future learning

TL:DR

If your learner has been struggling to grasp concepts, is feeling unmotivated to learn, or seems unable to show everything that they know (because you know that they know it!) - start with a UDL audit.

Is there another way that I can teach this?

Is there another way that they can show their understanding?

How does my learner work and learn best?

Check out the CAST website (https://udlguidelines.cast.org/) for many more great ways to support and facilitate meaningful learning.