Koree Crowder EDU673: Instruct. Strat. for Differentiated Teach & Learn Professor Sara Mattson 12/16/2015

 “Universal design for learning (UDL) is a framework for developing curriculum from the onset to address the needs of all learners” (Zydney, Hasselbring, 2014) UDL has 3 principles which are to provide multiple meaning of representation, provide multiple means of action and expression, and to provide multiple means of engagement.  “Differentiated instruction is a way of recognizing and teaching according to different student talents and learning styles.” (Morgan, 2014)

 Differentiation is a teaching theory that addresses the needs of diverse learners while UDL is a curriculum designed approach to decrease barriers and increase flexibility for students.  The focus for differentiation is on content, process and product while UDL focus is on three brain networks for providing accessibility to the curriculum.  Both UDL and differentiated learning seek to enhance achievement of students by proactively designing and materials that allows students to be successful

 I would like to combine the two concepts in the classroom by choosing activities that are universal and can apply to everyone regardless of their background while also having activities that are different based on my students differentiated learning styles. I would like to utilize both in my classroom.

 In my classroom I will present new information to the entire class and also I will use class discussions on new material since my students enjoy class discussions.  Students will demonstrate their background knowledge by answering a set of questions I have written on the board before we start the lesson.  My strategy to engage students is having students participate in games related to the information learned in class and using worksheets for students to complete.

 Morgan, H. (2014). Maximizing Student Success with Differentiated Learning. Clearing House, 87 (1), doi: /  Zydney J, Hasselbring T. Mini anchors: A universal design for learning approach. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning [serial online]. November 2014;58(6): Available from: Academic Search Elite, Ipswich, MA. Accessed December 16, 2015.