The topic for this tip is the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how to apply UDL principles in your course design and teaching practice from the Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL). Below is a brief explanation and introduction to the UDL framework.
You may be wondering, "What is UDL, and what can it do for my students?" To begin with, UDL is an inclusive approach to learning that recognizes students' unique strengths, abilities, and learning preferences and guides the design of educational materials, methods, and assessments to meet those diverse learner needs. In fact, one of the goals of UDL is to help students become "expert learners" by empowering them to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or ability. While not a replacement for all disability accommodations, UDL may help reduce the need for individual accommodations by removing major barriers to instruction and taking a proactive approach to inclusive course design.
UDL was inspired by the Universal Design movement in architecture and product development, which called for "the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." Researchers at the Center for Applied Technology (CAST) applied this foundational principle to learning by incorporating neuroscience research and progressive education theories to create a set of guidelines for designing and implementing inclusive learning environments. In a nutshell, UDL is based on specific neural networks that govern what, how, and why we learn. These three networks (affective, recognition, and strategic) help define the conceptual framework of UDL and map to fundamental inclusive learning considerations.
