Universal Design for Learning: A Framework for Teaching All Learners August Wakefield, MA

UDL Connect: For Online Resources & discussions

1. Sign up for the site 2. Join our group

#UDL social media CAST UDL Center AIM Center Use Twitter? Use #UDL in your tweets during the workshop! #UDLchat: 1 st & 3 rd Wednesdays of the month, 9-9:30pm ET

Who are we? Loui Lord Nelson Allison Posey

Getting to Know You Find a ‘QUADRANT PARTNER’ for discussions during the institute

Institute Goals Day 1: Build background To learn how UDL addresses challenges of learner variability Day 2 & 3: Application To strategize how to apply UDL to practice To build tools & resources

Seen another way: Build Background UDL Guideline s Application Lesson Planning

This workshop: build awareness

What are your goals? For this workshop For your professional development

Where are you in your understanding about UDL? 1 = Just beginning! 2 = I know a little about UDL! 3 = Ask me anything about UDL: I could lead this session!

The Marshmallow Challenge Goal: to build collaboration around design

Rules 18 minutes, team of 4 build the tallest freestanding structure – Cannot be suspended – Entire marshmallow on top Use as much/little of the contents in bag (not the bag); can break, cut… Cannot hold onto the structure Have fun, collaborate & be creative

Begin!

Watch the TED talk (optional)

Why begin with this exercise? Design: – collaborative – iterative process Goal driven Feedback about what works, prototypes – Uh-oh  ta-da!

Why start with that activity? Variability! – Strategy – Engagement – Representation

Current neuroscience about learning *Variability *Learning occurs at the dynamic interaction between learner & environment (context matters!)

Variability:

Context matters

UDL: Variability & Context Matter

Elbow buddy discussion Share a key take-away. What resonated? How do ideas of variability & context relate to this discussion?

Break

Building Background: Started ‘in the margins’

Inspired by Universal Design … “all new environments and products, to the greatest extent possible, should be usable by everyone regardless of their age, ability, or circumstance.”

What is the goal? What are the barriers?

You can retrofit, however …

How can you design from beginning to reduce barriers so all can reach the goal?

Goal. Barriers. Design. For all.

Choose one & discuss: What is the goal? What barriers does it reduce? How do all benefit? Ramps Curb Cuts Electric Doors Captions on Television Easy Grip Tools…

UD Assumptions 1.Not one size fits all – but alternatives for everyone. 1.Not added on later – but designed from the beginning. 1. Not access for some – but access for everyone.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) A mindset for designing learning experiences all individuals can gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning reduces barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all

UDL Accounts for variability and context Thinks of changing the curriculum, not the student UDL Guidelines: clarify goals, ensures all have flexible, accessible means to access

Curriculum: Goal? Barriers? Design? Make available for all

Questions, Reflections?

UDL Guidelines: help design to address variability & context

3 Principles

Guiding Principles of UDL Provide Multiple Means of Representation PerceptionLanguage and SymbolsComprehension Resourceful & Knowledgeable Provide Multiple Means of Expression Physical Action Expressive Skills and Fluency Executive Function Strategic & Goal- Directed Provide Multiple Means of Engagement Recruiting Interest Sustaining Effort and Persistence Self-RegulationPurposeful & Motivated Recognition NetworksStrategic NetworksAffective Networks

Team Challenge: Re-design Marshmallow activity – Think about variability & context from start – Design so ALL can achieve the goal: To have a tall, freestanding structure with marshmallow on top What are potential barriers to reach the goal? Use the 3 UDL Principles to meet the predictable variability in: – Recognition – Action & Expression – Engagement

Share ideas

Where are you in your understanding about UDL? 1 = Just beginning! 2 = I know a little about UDL! 3 = Ask me anything about UDL: I could lead this session!

Questions? Comments? Coming this afternoon! Dive deeper into UDL Guidelines! Coming this afternoon! Dive deeper into UDL Guidelines!

MSHA, October LUNCH 12:00-1:15