Universally designed lessons utilize many methods of representation (how the material is presented) and expression (how the students express their knowledge), as well as engaging the students for maximum impact. UDL lessons and activities are for all students of all ability levels.
UDL is broken down into Representation, Expression, and Engagement. Representation is defined as the way in which the material is presented to the students. Expression is defined as the way in which the student expresses their knowledge of the subject. In order to work on expression breaking down the expectation or standard into a very specific goal. This goal may have traditionally been "research and write a 3 page report on an animal," and the UDL goal might be restructured to give the student the opportunity to choose a format and the goal becomes an expression of knowledge, in any format.
UDL is broken down into Representation, Expression, and Engagement. Representation is defined as the way in which the material is presented to the students. Expression is defined as the way in which the student expresses their knowledge of the subject. In order to work on expression breaking down the expectation or standard into a very specific goal. This goal may have traditionally been "research and write a 3 page report on an animal," and the UDL goal might be restructured to give the student the opportunity to choose a format and the goal becomes an expression of knowledge, in any format.
UDL Suggestions for Representation
Instead of a traditional "teacher talk" lecture, use one of the following:
Instead of a traditional "teacher talk" lecture, use one of the following:
- Video with animation and sound
- Use verbal AND written instructions
- BrainPop or other animated sources
UDL Activities for Writing
In place of traditional writing projects give students an option to make or use one of the following:
In place of traditional writing projects give students an option to make or use one of the following:
- Use keyboarding, speech-to-text program, or "note-taker" instead of handwritten paper
- Create a diorama, poster, or visual presentation instead of a written paper.
UDL Activities for Math Problem Solving
To aid in math problem solving, the following suggestions may make the abstract concepts of numbers more concrete.
To aid in math problem solving, the following suggestions may make the abstract concepts of numbers more concrete.
- Use manipulatives
- Use drawings/representations rather than just number equations
- Use problems or make problems more applicable to real life
UDL Suggestions for Engagement
The following are suggestions of adaptations to materials or activities to make lessons more engaging and meaningful to the students.
The following are suggestions of adaptations to materials or activities to make lessons more engaging and meaningful to the students.
- Use stories, photos, and other items from student's daily lives
- Allow students to choose the stories they read, ideas they write about, and so much more
- Use Math activities and problems that are real-life
- Allow students to pair up for activities if they choose
UDL Suggestions for Fostering Collaboration and Community
The following are suggestions to aid in the Engagement part of UDL. Collaboration and community are one aspect of Engagement that a teacher can focus on during lessons in the classroom.
The following are suggestions to aid in the Engagement part of UDL. Collaboration and community are one aspect of Engagement that a teacher can focus on during lessons in the classroom.
- Use Collaborative groups (see Collaborative Groups Learning page for activities).
- Have every student share their ideas, thoughts, and answers
- Let students teach the class, after an assignment have them tell their peers how they answered a problem
- Have students give each other feedback and ask questions
For more information on Universal Design for Learning, please check out the CAST website here.