Introduction
Every learner possesses distinct traits, competencies, area of interest, experiences, etc. This influence their preferred style of learning. Thus, it is important for the educators to cater individual differences among learners, understand their needs and respond accordingly. In this, the theory of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will be beneficial. The focus is to foster an inclusive classroom by reducing or eliminating the existing learning barriers.
While working as Primary School Teacher, I pursued ‘Continuous Professional Development Program’ that has the similar objective. During that program, I involved a variety of resources to enhance the learning experience such as storytelling with visuals, craft activities, vocabulary charts, creating storyboards, etc. I made sure to incorporate more group activities so that my students could get the opportunities to showcase their strengths and at the same time learn from their peers.
Considering the Prodigy App that I reviewed, I think that it can be used as a good tool to create individualized learning plans by identifying the areas where learners are struggling. Besides this, it also involves students in self-paced maths practice. Thus, it aligns with Universal Design for Learning Theory.
Thanks,
Swanshi
According to Courtney (2018), Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supported by research and federal law, transforms the traditional approach of ‘one-size-fits-all’. Agree with you Swanshi, UDL removes the barriers to education and brings inclusion. But are we as educators still able to adapt UDL efficiently and correctly? This question is still intriguing. As educators, we must include these three principles: Give learners different ways to acquire information, Give learners different ways to present what they’ve learned, and recognizing into learners different interest by challenging them appropriately, and by motivating them to learn. Will try Prodigy to learn Maths someday😊.
References
Courtney (2018, April 4). Promoting inclusion through Universal Design for Learning. Inclusion Evolution. https://www.inclusionevolution.com/promoting-inclusion-universal-design-learning/
Take care.
Hello Swanshi,
Yes, UDL approch is basically for removing the learning barriers and provide equal chance to diverse student to learn in an efficient ways. The teachers by using UDL approch can provide inclusive education to the students without any discrimination and according to the needs and interests of the students.
RESEARCH STORIES
The Importance of Universal Design for Learning
Eliminating barriers in the design of the learning environment to make curriculum accessible for all
BY:
Eva Chen
POSTED:
December 20, 2008
3 boys in a classroom
When a student struggles in the classroom, questions usually focus on the student: Does she have a learning disability? Is this student’s reading skill not on par with the other children in the class? Does he not pay enough attention when sitting in class or doing homework? Until recently, there has been comparatively little focus on the role of the curriculum in these struggles. Thanks to work by Harvard Graduate School of Education Lecturer David Rose, the chief education officer of the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), researchers and educators alike are now examining how the curriculum, not the student, may be disabled, and how curriculum disabilities can be overcome.
The idea of curriculum disability arose when Rose was working with other neuropsychologists at the North Shore Children’s Hospital (near Boston) to evaluate children who were performing poorly in school. Rose and his colleagues often felt discouraged, because their recommendations offered teachers little practical guidance to help their students. Eventually Rose formed a group to see what might make the reports more useful — leading to the creation of CAST.
UDL is the recognition that a standardized learning environment is no longer productive; it is vital — and, with today’s technology, possible — to acknowledge differences among students.
CAST researchers gradually realized that the core issue was frequently not students’ learning problems; instead, the problem lay with the curriculum. Instead of fixing the students, time would be better spent fixing the curriculum. This insight sparked a new goal: eliminating barriers in the design of the learning environment. Moreover, UDL approch is having three principals such as Multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge, Multiple means of expression to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know and
Multiple means of engagement to tap into learners’ interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation.
Thanks
Sorry, I do not how it happens .
My comment is :
Yes, UDL approch is basically for removing the learning barriers and provide equal chance to diverse student to learn in an efficient ways. The teachers by using UDL approch can provide inclusive education to the students without any discrimination and according to the needs and interests of the students. Moreover, UDL approch is having three principals such as Multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge, Multiple means of expression to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know and Multiple means of engagement to tap into learners’ interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation.
Thanks