UDL+-+Universal+Design+for+Learning


 * Universal Design for Learning - UDL**

__Description of Approach__ UDL is a flexible learning model that allows teachers to set varying learning goals for all students based on their individual ability, needs and interests. According to the CAST Web site, UDL "provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone--not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs."

This approach merges the recognition, strategic and affective networks - combining what, how, and why - to ensure that all students can access the curriculum where they are and in a way that makes sense to them.

UDL allows teachers to present information and content in different ways to different students, allowing for greater diversity in learning. It also allows teachers to differentiate instruction by allowing students to express knowledge in a variety of ways. It can also stimulate learning since the approach is more individual to students, giving them a greater reason to be successful.

UDL also takes great advantage of technology in individualizing learning. Teachers can use UDL and computers in order to tailor the curriculum to certain students and give them assignments to complete using computers and other assistive technologies as a learning tool and a learning platform.

__Information Resources__ Web site. [] E-book: Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age - []

Gargiulo, R. M., & Metcalf, D. (2009). //Teaching in today's inclusive classroom: A universal design for learning approach.// Florence, KY: Wadsworth Publishing.

__Strategies and Ideas for Implementation:__ Teachers would need some training on how to identify student ability, needs, and interests, as well as any checklists or evaluation tools to be able to continually revisit these areas for each student to ensure that the curriculum is staying relevant to the child's learning needs. (Although I couldn't get too deep into the website because I'm not a member, from what I could see, this seems a lot like the "Schools Attuned" model, wherein each child is profiled by themselves, their parents, their previous teachers, and their current teachers to determine affinities, learning strengths, and learning needs. Teachers then are able to differentiate their curriculum accordingly.)