Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
What if you designed your course with learner variability in mind?
Through this deeper dive, you will be guided in exploring the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which is comprised of a research-based set of principles that encourages instructors to remove barriers to learning in order to provide access to diverse students, beyond considerations of accommodations for students with disabilities. UDL can inform course and lesson design by prompting instructors to provide their students with multiple ways of engaging with course content, constructing knowledge, and demonstrating learning while accommodating cultural and learning differences.
Video 1: Introduction to UDL
Video 2: Principle of Engagement
Video 3: Principle of Representation
Video 4: Principle of Action & Expression
General UDL Resources
The resources below provide additional information on Universal Design for Learning in higher education.
- CAST: UDL On Campus
- Universal Design in Higher Education: Promising Practices
- Universal Design for Learning in Postsecondary Education: Reflections on Principles and their Application
Resources for Removing Learning Barriers
The resources listed below were referenced in our deeper dive videos for each UDL principle as strategies to remove learning barriers. It is not an exhaustive list of all the resources out there, but will provide you with starting points to explore.
Engagement Resources
- Recruiting Interest using Authentic Assessments
- Sustaining Effort using the TiLT Framework
- Developing Self-Regulation with Exam Wrappers
- Developing Self-Regulation with Critical Reflection Questions
Representation Resources
- Supporting Perception with Concept Maps
- Supporting Comprehension with a Background Knowledge Probe
- Supporting Comprehension with a Think Aloud Technique
Action & Expression Resources
- Offer Options for Physical Action with VoiceThread
- Offer Options for Expression and Communication with Choice Boards (K-12 focus, but applicable to higher ed)
- Vary Expression and Communication with a Chalk Talk Activity
- Support Expression and Communication with low-stakes formative assessments like Exit Tickets
- Support Executive Functions with Guided Notes
- Support Executive Functions with Graphic (Advance) Organizers
