The UDL Framework Explained
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn, including Students with Disabilities. This growing movement aims to improve the educational experience of all students by introducing more flexible methods of teaching, assessment and service provision to cater for different styles of learners. This approach is underpinned by research in the field of neuroscience and is designed to improve the learning experience and outcomes for all students.
The UDL guidelines provided by US organisation CAST are based on the idea that there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ or ‘average’ student, that all students learn differently and that to successfully teach for all students, we have to introduce greater flexibility in to teaching and learning practice. They say that educators should follow 3 core principles when designing learning experiences, building in:
Multiple Means of Engagement
Stimulate motivation and sustained enthusiasm for learning by promoting various ways of engaging with material
Multiple Means of Representation
Present information and context content in a variety of ways to support understanding by students with different learning styles or abilities
Multiple Means of Action and Expression
Offer options for students to demonstrate their learning in various ways EG allow choice of assessment type