UDL promotes inclusivity in General Education classrooms
Studies have shown Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to be a beneficial strategy for creating an inclusive educational environment while teaching to a broad range of learning styles within a single classroom. UDL is a set of principles for curriculum development that aims to provide all students, including those with special needs or disabilities, an equal opportunity to learn.
In an inclusive classroom, teachers and educators can use UDL to develop lesson plans that present the material in multiple ways, using visual, auditory and tactile activities to demonstrate skills or concepts. As all students learn in different ways, engaging in educational material multiple times in various forms may increase absorption and retention.
Teachers of students with special needs have been using UDL principles to design educational programs to meet the wide-range of needs and skills within their classrooms. As more schools and districts move to promoting more inclusive environments, general education teachers can implement UDL and use the method to create a curriculum that is more accessible.
To effectively implement UDL, teachers and educators would significantly benefit from professional development. However, if you’d like to learn more about UDL, we have compiled a handful of resources to help you gain a better understanding of how to implement an inclusive learning strategy in your classroom.
- 5 ways to leverage UDL for student inclusivity
- Universal Design for Learning: Guiding Principles to Reduce Barriers to Digital & Media Literacy Competence
- Fostering Inclusion with Universal Design for Learning
- 5 Effective Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom
- 4 Steps to Implement Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom
- Teaching Tips For an UDL-Friendly Classroom