Universal Design of Learning
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All students should be able to access equal education despite learner differences or learning disabilities. The Universal Design of Learning (UDL) acts as a "blueprint for creating flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that accommodate learner differences" (Howery, 2011, p.12). While the UDL covers a broad spectrum regarding issues of inclusion, to me, the most important aspects of the UDL are teaching students to become self-advocates and removing the barriers that prevent students from excelling.
"No single teaching method....can be the method of choice for all occasions" (Brophy, 2000, p.6)
Something that was lacking in my classrooms growing up, was the accommodation of different learning styles and preferences. The monotonous teaching style favored students that had strong recollection skills. The UDL focuses on removing barriers such as these and replacing them with multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression, and multiple means of engagement (Howery, 2011, p.10). The UDL will help to increase access to learning for all students, not just students with learning disabilities. By using principles such as strategy teaching, which involves explanation, demonstration, and application of skills (Brophy, 2000), there is more potential for learners with different needs to grasp the material.
I think it is important for teachers to motivate students and help them become self-advocates. Teachers should encourage students by embracing diversity among learners and these values should be reflected in the classroom to create an accepting environment. If students are comfortable with their unique learning needs this may help to promote self advocacy and finding the internal drive that motivates students to learn.
"No single teaching method....can be the method of choice for all occasions" (Brophy, 2000, p.6)
Something that was lacking in my classrooms growing up, was the accommodation of different learning styles and preferences. The monotonous teaching style favored students that had strong recollection skills. The UDL focuses on removing barriers such as these and replacing them with multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression, and multiple means of engagement (Howery, 2011, p.10). The UDL will help to increase access to learning for all students, not just students with learning disabilities. By using principles such as strategy teaching, which involves explanation, demonstration, and application of skills (Brophy, 2000), there is more potential for learners with different needs to grasp the material.
I think it is important for teachers to motivate students and help them become self-advocates. Teachers should encourage students by embracing diversity among learners and these values should be reflected in the classroom to create an accepting environment. If students are comfortable with their unique learning needs this may help to promote self advocacy and finding the internal drive that motivates students to learn.