Carolina Ramirez LSSL 5391 Internet for School Librarians
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Assignment
As I was reading the articles and information provided in the assignment in regards to the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, I was able to notice that I already use the following: Multiple Means of Representations. In my classroom I am able to use different modes of representing material to the students. I utilize videos, hands on manipulatives, animations, pre-teach vocabulary in all contents, text-to-speech software for assignments and other visual aids.
The guidelines that I need to implement in my classroom are Multiple Means of Action and Expression and Multiple Means of Engagement. Although I use some of the checkpoints stated in the UDL Guidelines Checklist, I don’t utilize the majority of the checkpoints that were explained in the checklist. I feel that my students will benefit greatly if I start implementing more of the UDL guidelines and checkpoints.
The UDL guideline that seems great is the Multiple Means of Engagement, but I feel that I would need some help in understanding the implementation of the guideline. I feel that in implementing this guideline, I would have to lessen the classroom structure and management.
In exploring the UDL, I would like to know more about the implementation of the Multiple Means of Engagement (Optimize individual choice and autonomy) and how it would work in my elementary classroom with second graders or younger students. I would have to see the implementation of this guideline in action so I can get a better understanding of how to implement it. I was able to find a YouTube video on Multiple Means of Engagement. It provided me with more examples on how to implement the guideline in the classroom. I was also able to find an excellent website titled Understood.org that has a video where a teacher is explaining how the UDL works in his classroom. I was able to learn and visualize how the UDL is implemented in the classroom and the teacher also explained some of the mind sets that I have about flexibility in the classroom. For example, having flexible seating in the classroom and students choosing how to present their understanding of content. The articles that were provided in the module were also helpful in understanding UDL.
References
Blue, E. V. (2011). UD and UDL: paving the way toward inclusion and independence in the school library. Knowledge Quest, 39(3), 48.
Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at OU. ( July, 2017). Universal Design for Learning (Part 3): Engagement Strategies [ YouTube Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmBsE4LX8NM
Morin, A. (n.d). What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/universal-design-for-learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works
Robinson, D. E. (2017). Universal Design for Learning and School Libraries. Knowledge Quest, 46(1), 56–61.
Hi Carolina!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I had never come across the UDL framework before. While I was exploring the guidelines for the first time, it became clear that we already implement many of these concepts in our classroom. I like that you mentioned flexible seating. It is something I've wanted to implement in my classroom for years. The research supporting it is fascinating, yet in my district, the only grade that utilizes flexible seating is pre-k. This approach aligns with the UDL principles by catering to students with diverse sensory needs. We have a large population of students with ADHD or sensory processing challenges; this would be tremendously beneficial for them.
Carolina,
ReplyDeleteI understand, part of UDL allows for students to have autonomy in the classroom and I know having elementary students can have trouble with this. I think with more time and giving students with small tasks can create a sense of autonomy. Also assigning students roles in a project can help students feel responsible and create autonomy for their task.
This was great! I also really like https://udlguidelines.cast.org/
ReplyDeleteI really liked that you mentioned flexible seating—it’s something I’ve wanted to try for years. The research behind it is really interesting, but in my district, only Pre-K uses flexible seating. This approach fits perfectly with UDL principles, especially for students with ADHD or sensory processing challenges, and it would be very helpful for them.
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