How to Use Universal Design for Learning in Your Classroom

Universal Design for Learning (ULD) is a framework designed to help learning experiences be more inclusive and accessible. What this boils down to for your classroom is offering multiple ways to learn the material. Let’s look at some simple ways to do that!

Multiple Means of Engagement

This refers to giving students more than one way to get interested and involved in the topic. Some ideas for the classroom are:

• Introduce new topics in different ways (stories, discussion of artwork, questions)

• Give students choices for learning activities

• Make connections between the subject matter and topics of student interest

Multiple Means of Representation

This refers to offering many different information sources and presentation. For example:

• Use multiple ways to present material (books, audio books, hands-on manipulatives, videos, guest speakers, music, songs, artwork, etc.)

• Offer supportive documents such as vocabulary lists, infographics, maps, and study guides

• Use graphic organizers and visual aids to support learning

Multiple Means of Action and Expression

This refers to allowing students to show what they have learned in different ways. Some ideas include:

• Writing reports

• Making posters

• Completing projects

• Developing a video

• Creating a physical display

• Planning a lesson for others

• Putting together a portfolio

Conclusion

Although planning lessons for your classroom might be a bit more complex when you are using ULD, the end result will be worth the trouble. When students are more motivated through personal connection and choice, they will be able to learn more effectively. Creating lessons that are more inclusive and accessible insures that more of your students will be engaged. Finally, the addition of new and different ways of looking at things can be refreshing for you as a teacher as well!