Why UDL is a valuable approach for both the teacher and the learner

As educators, we are always looking for ways to better meet the needs of all our learners. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework provides a valuable approach for doing just that. UDL enables equity in education by supporting a shift in practice that values and plans proactively for both variability and diversity. Everyone benefits from this approach, as it provides a more culturally inclusive framework.

UDL provides educators with a set of guidelines to help them design more effective learning experiences. This approach takes into account the fact that every learner is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, preferences and needs. By applying the principles of UDL, teachers can create a curriculum that is more accessible and engaging for all learners.

UDL provides a level playing field. By making sure that all learners have access to the same rigorous learning goals, materials and information, UDL ensures that everyone can become an expert learner and reach their full potential. Additionally, the flexible nature of UDL means that learners can learn in ways that better suit their individual needs. Whether it’s using alternative text or listening to an audio recording, UDL gives all learners the chance to succeed.

Overall, UDL is a valuable approach for both teachers and learners. It enables us to meet the needs of all our students in a more equitable and inclusive way.

Webinar: Membership means everything - the crucial role of UDL for all students

Do you struggle with making ALL students a part of your learning environment?

You’ve been learning about Universal Design for Learning. You understand how crucial it is that all students view themselves as part of your learning environment. But when students with intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) are in your class, you might struggle with making them part of your learning community.

This session will provide you with a model, connections to the UDL framework, and examples for membership – something all students should experience.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that seeks to proactively design instructional environments, materials, and strategies that are flexible and adaptable to the diverse needs and abilities of all learners. This approach recognises that learners have a wide range of skills, strengths, and challenges, and seeks to provide multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement in order to support learning for everyone.

There are several reasons why UDL is a valuable approach for both teachers and learners because it promotes equity, enhances flexibility, increases efficiency, and improves learning outcomes for everyone.

Promotes equity: UDL aims to reduce barriers to learning and ensure that all learners have an equal opportunity to succeed. By providing multiple ways to access and engage with material, UDL helps to level the playing field for students with different learning needs or disabilities.

Enhances flexibility: UDL allows teachers to be more flexible in their instructional approaches, as they can provide multiple options to demonstrate understanding. This can help to engage those who may have different learning needs or preferences.

Increases efficiency: UDL can save teachers time and effort by eliminating the need to create multiple versions of materials or lesson plans for different students. By providing a range of options upfront, teachers can more easily meet the needs of all learners in a single lesson.

Improves learning outcomes: Research has shown that UDL can lead to improved learning outcomes for all students, not just those with disabilities. By providing multiple ways for the learner to engage with and demonstrate their understanding of material, UDL can help to facilitate deeper learning and retention of information.

Webinars: Inclusion Strategies and Metacognition

Register to watch these two sessions recorded as part of our UDL Touchdown Series

Webinar 1: Tackling Inclusion One Strategy At a Time

Join the authors of "Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year" as they discuss intentionally planning and designing inclusively, one strategy at a time so that no learner is excluded.

Webinar 2: Metacognition: The Key to Driving Deeper Learning

Presented by Dr Catlin Tucker, Bestselling Author, International Trainer, and Keynote Speaker. This session focuses on technology-infused strategies teachers can use to help students develop their metacognitive skills so they can be more active and engaged learners.

Keep reading

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has an enormous potential to positively impact the learning experience of all learners. Learn more about building the case for applying universal design for learning at your institution

The Future of UDL

Take a look at what's next for UDL and the community it serves.

How to plan instruction using UDL

Explore how we can make lessons accessible and engaging for all learners.

The UDL Guidelines

Take a look at the UDL guidelines, developed by CAST and how they were conceived.