Universal Design for Learning

Informed by the field of neuroscience, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to teaching that addresses the diverse learning needs of all students.

Some individuals may learn best by engaging activities such as listening, writing, drawing, reading, experimenting, building, discussing, designing, observing, or enacting. The goal of a UDL-based curriculum is to provide students with a variety of options, so they can each learn in the way that’s most effective for them.

The UDL philosophy asserts that we should provide opportunities for students using these three lenses.

Multiple means of engagement, with options for:
- Recruiting interest
- Sustaining effort and persistence
- Self regulation
Multiple means of representation, with options for:
- Perception
- Language and symbols
- Comprehension
Multiple means of action and expression, with options for
- Physical action
- Expression and communication
- Executive functions

Resources

CAST (Center for Applied Special Technologies)

CAST: UDL on Campus
CAST: UDL Guidelines
CAST: What Is UDL?
CAST: Download the UDL Graphic Organizer (PDF)
CAST: Download Key Questions to Consider when Planning Lessons (PDF)
CAST Book: Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice