Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning is an approach to teaching focused on accommodating a range of needs and abilities of all learners while eliminating unnecessary hurdles in the process. The application of Universal Design for Learning has been particularly popular in schools where technology is always accessible to learners. One of the key underlying principles of Universal Design for Learning is creating an accessible learning environment for students. The flexibility within Universal Design for Learning can also encourage students to engage with materials in ways that most benefit them. At the heart of Universal Design for Learning are 3 key ideas which should be offered to learners:

• Providing multiple means of Engagement
• Providing multiple means of Representation
• Provide multiple means of Expression

These are then further broken down into different subjects in the rubric pictured below:

Source: https://udlguidelines.cast.org/binaries/content/assets/udlguidelines/udlg-v2-2/udlg_graphicorganizer_v2-2_numbers-yes.pdf

Universal Design for Learning is proven to increase participation in learning, increasing learning and promoting greater learner satisfaction. In addition to this, it decreases confusion while offering greater clarity in learning and helping build confidence for learners. As with 21^st Century Learning Design this approach requires training to ensure it is effective. It is also a significant change pedagogically which can lead to resistance or hesitance in adopting it.