In an education system, it can be easy to get stuck on what is being taught and neglecting to think about new ways that content can be delivered to provide the best learning space for all students. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) aims to solve that.
What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
UDL is a methodology for establishing an accessible learning environment. The goal is to create a space where learners of all kinds are put on an even playing field regardless of things like natural ability, preferred learning style, learning difficulties, and background.
In an in-person learning setting, applied UDL might look like providing students with different ways to engage with learning material such as hands-on activities, group work, visual aids, and traditional lectures. The key here is that we are accommodating different learning styles and allowing students the opportunity to learn in a diverse ecosystem. We can’t make a perfect learning environment for every student, but applying UDL allows us to at least meet the needs for all participating students.
Shelley Moore, an educator specializing in accessible learning, reflects on her personal learning journey as a guest on a podcast episode titled “20 Minutes Moore”. She notes that she initially had a poor experience with learning as a whole due to the traditional style of rote memorization used in many learning environments. However, she was exposed to a much more communal and open learning environment in her adult years which opened her eyes and led her to find a love and passion for learning. This is a perfect example of the long-term impact that an accessible and accommodating learning space can have on an individual, and thus the importance of establishing it.
Applying UDL and Accessibility Principles
After learning about UDL, I have been able to identify and appreciate it’s application in my own learning environment. In primary school, I struggled with taking exams around others because I was easily distracted, especially by noise. Some of my teachers offered us to put up a small cardboard divider on our desks during exams, and I would always utilize this to reduce distractions. Even now in University, I am grateful that my school’s Center For Accessible Learning, or CAL, provides me with a quiet space to take exams apart from other students.
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