| Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a new paradigm for teaching, learning, and assessment that draws on new brain research and media technologies to respond to idvidual learner differences. In apllication, UDL serves as a guide to design course instruction, content, materials, and assessments that are accessible and appropriate for persons with different backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, and disabilities in a wide variety of learning contexts. Applications of brain-based learning, Quantum Learning, multiple intelligences, cooperative learning, multi-media applications, peer mediation, and differentiated instruction are all utilized. The UDL classroom offers short, ongoing assessments with varied opportunities for demonstrating knowledge. This ongoing feedback helps students measure and assess their own mastery of the curriculum and empowers the students as life-long learners. In a positive UDL classroom - Students learning preferences and strengths are identified and addressed
- Barriers to progress are eliminated for all learners
- Scaffolds/supports are integrated and available
- Varied means are offered for assessing content
- Learning is related to student interest and linked to prior knowledge
Students should feel free to work at their own pace and be encouraged to move to the next level of achievement. Scaffolds, prompts, materials and options are readily available so students know the goals and can assess the supports to achieve. |