Last week, we shared our first blog on Universal Design for Learning (UDL). To recap, UDL is an educational framework used to improve inclusivity but improves outcomes for all students. UDL aims to create expert learners who are purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, strategic and goal-centred.
Elmarie Tipper shares simple ways to introduce Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to your lessons.
1. Multiple Means of Engagement - the ‘why’ of learning
- Students have the choice what learning activity they engage with
- Students have the choice to work alone, in pairs or in groups
- Students have access to self-regulation tools or special areas to complete their work
- Students have access to varying degrees of difficulty for those who may wish to extent their learning
- Lessons are socially and culturally responsive.
2. Multiple Means of Representation – the ‘what’ of learning
- The use of an eBook
- The direct teaching of a concept can be recorded by video on an ipad where students have access to refreshing their knowledge during the activity phase
- Anchor charts provided with concepts, terms and symbols
- Different audio and visual content available for example if a picture book is used the student can also access it in video or audio options.
3. Multiple Means of Action and Expression – the ‘how’ of learning
- Students may present their findings using drawings, Lego, playdoh or through video
- Students can have access to verbal feedback
- Students can set their own goals.
If you would like to know more – join Elmarie Tipper at our free CPD webinar on 23rd April 7pm! Learn more HERE!
Elmarie Tipper is a Primary Teacher at an Infant School in Dublin. She has worked in the mainstream classroom, as a special education teacher and in a special class.
Elmarie completed her Masters in Education (Special Educational Needs) Trinity College Dublin. As part of her Masters she carried out a case study evaluating the implementation of UDL in a senior infant mainstream classroom. Elmarie has presented her research at the International UDL Symposium at Maynooth University in June 2023.The webinar will detail the results and how students improved engagement with maths using UDL.
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