Universal Design for Learning is a framework that guides teachers to support the diverse needs of students within the context of of classroom activities. Gronneberg and Johnston (2015) state that, “UDL recognizes that individual learning patterns differ and that learning systems should accommodate variability among learners from the outset” (p. 1). This differs from typical accommodations that take students out of the classroom or provide them with different learning materials. Instead, UDL emphasizes providing a variety of materials and choices to help all students meet the same learning goals. UDL’s guidelines fall into three principles (see http://www.udlcenter.org/):
For this project, I began with the concern that many accommodations for English Language Learners focus on retrofitting lessons and providing different materials to meet learners’ needs. Too often, this takes English Language learners out of the classroom or involves removing some learning objectives to make lessons accessible. Unfortunately, this means that the students do not have opportunities to meet the same goals or feel confident in their abilities as scholars. My goal is to identify instructional strategies and technology tools that address the needs of English Language Learners while meeting UDL principles by supporting the learning of many diverse students.
- Multiple Means of Representation
- Multiple Means of Action and Expression
- Multiple Means of Engagement
For this project, I began with the concern that many accommodations for English Language Learners focus on retrofitting lessons and providing different materials to meet learners’ needs. Too often, this takes English Language learners out of the classroom or involves removing some learning objectives to make lessons accessible. Unfortunately, this means that the students do not have opportunities to meet the same goals or feel confident in their abilities as scholars. My goal is to identify instructional strategies and technology tools that address the needs of English Language Learners while meeting UDL principles by supporting the learning of many diverse students.