Using UDL

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to instruction that gives all students access to the curriculum.  It asks us to look at our students as individuals to understand what they need, what their strengths are and what motivates them. A common misconception about UDL is that this approach is only appropriate for students with disabilities.  While students with disabilities benefit from the modifications made using the three principles of UDL, this approach is beneficial to everyone.  

Universal Design for Learning uses three principles to make instruction accessible to all students in a classroom.  These principles are:  Multiple Means of Representation, Multiple Means of Action and Expression and Multiple Means of Engagement.  These three principles were created because we have three networks in the brain that help us learn: Recognition Network, Strategic Network and Affective Network.  To learn more about this, visit Cast.org by clicking here. 

Multiple Means of Representation asks us to provide content in various ways to our student. This can be done by providing audio, video, visuals, manipulatives and handouts during class instruction.  This principle not only includes how we deliver the content of a lesson but how we help students categorize this information. This is important when we are planning so that we can be sure to activate prior knowledge and link our lesson to a meaningful activity, asking students to apply what they learned.

Multiple Means of Action and Expression asks us to provide some choice and variety when students share what they know.  Here, we should consider that some students do a great job expressing themselves in written form, while others prefer speech. Assistive technologies are especially very helpful here--using an tablet, cell phone or computer to complete/access an assignment.  We should provide opportunities for students to set their learning goals here and monitor their own progress, as well.

Multiple Means of Engagement asks us to consider a students interests and strengths. Here we ask ourselves the question, "What motivates my students to learn?"  We can provide options for students to focus on their individual interests by increasing choice in the classroom.  We want to encourage their effort and interest in this principle by allowing students to collaborate and providing them with constructive feedback.  Finally, to further engage our students with a task, it is important that we ask them to self reflect and assess their own product and learning. One suggestion is to provide a rubric for students to use for self scoring before you grade their assignment. 


To learn more about Universal Design for Learning, check out the video by CAST below or visit Cast.org.