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Learning Design Principles: Spotlight on Universal Design for Learning

How can we create a learning environment that challenges and engages everyone? 

In this blog post, we’re going to take a closer look at the learning design principle of Universal Design for Learning, consider how this might help us in the areas of inclusivity and accessibility, and reflect on possible take-aways that we could implement in our own teaching.

What is UDL?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework used to design inclusive teaching and learning materials and environments. The UDL framework is based on the architectural concept of Universal Design, employing the same core principles as those considered in the design of universally accessible physical spaces. The goal of UDL is to provide equal opportunity for all students to learn by employing multi-modal instruction, engagement, and assessment practices. 

For more about UDL, watch this short video (4:37) by CAST: 


What are the principles of UDL?

UDL is broken down into three principles:

  1. Multiple means of engagement – the why of learning

    Aim: Involve students in learning activities that are related to their interests, that include an element of choice and challenge, and that are motivating and engaging.

  2. Multiple means of representation – the what of learning

    Aim: Present information in different ways, using alternative means for the delivery of information and acquisition of knowledge.

  3. Multiple means of action & expression – the how of learning

    Aim: Provide a variety of ways for students to actively construct their understanding and demonstrate what they know.

How can I apply UDL to my own teaching?

You can start by taking small steps. Below are some ideas for implementing each of the three principles of UDL in teaching. Some you may be doing already! If not, consider how they might be applied – or adapted – to your specific context. Think about how digital tools can help deliver the design principles.

1. Multiple means of engagement – how can I engage all students in my class?
• Survey students about their interests, strengths, and needs (Microsoft Forms is one possible tool for doing this). Incorporate the findings into your delivery.

• Sign-post the lecture or presentation. Tell students where you are about to go, and revisit where you’ve been. When the lecture is over, involve students in re-capping the highlights.

• Clearly communicate the aims of an activity or task and how it is relevant to students’ learning. 

2. Multiple means of representation – how can I present information in ways that reach all learners?
• Make your materials available before class: your lecture script or notes, your slides or web locations, any pictures shown (perhaps with descriptions), etc.

• Ensure the content of your Moodle page is accessible to all students. If you need any support with this, please book a Moodle health check consultation with the Digital Learning Team.

• Make sure any videos you show are captioned and that captions are turned on. If you make recap or overview videos for your students, ensure these are captioned also and try to record with a mic. For more information on creating recap or overview videos, please see our blog post on Educational Videos.  

3. Multiple means of action & expression – how can I offer options for students to show what they know?
• Use “think, pair, share” – give students a question or problem; give them time to think of their own answers; pair them up to discuss; then ask some groups to share with the entire class. 

• Circulate note cards for students to write questions or comments, or to answer your questions, perhaps anonymously. Collect and address them at the end of a lecture or presentation. Miro is a useful tool for doing this digitally.
 
• Use online resources to extend class discussions. Students won’t all get the chance to contribute in a large group, so offer the opportunity somewhere else (eg. Padlet or Teams).

Conclusion – try one thing!

Look back at some of the examples given in the table above and choose one idea that you might be able to easily integrate into your practice. If you need any support with integrating a digital learning tool into your delivery, please get in touch with the Digital Learning Team (LCCDigitalLearning@lcc.arts.ac.uk) and we’d be very happy to help.

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