Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework “to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn” (CAST). It is based upon the neuroscience finding that there are three brain networks: one for caring and prioritizing (the Why of learning), one for recognition (the WHAT of learning), and one for skills and strategies (the HOW of learning). These form the 3 main principles of UDL: Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression. To understand how to use this framework, whose guidelines are shown in the chart above, we must examine all three parts. 

Engagement: The WHY of learning

This is where we motivate learners and stimulate interest. Some examples include letting students make choices, giving assignments that feel relevant to their lives, making skill-building feel like a game, and creating opportunities for learners to get up and move around (Morin, Understood.org).

Representation: The WHAT of learning

This is where information is presented in multiple ways. For example, in addition to a lecture or worksheet, instructors could also provide audio or verbal directions, videos, and hands-on learning experiences (Morin, Understood.org).

Action & Expression: The HOW of learning

Here learners are given choices of ways to interact with content and show what they know. For example, learners may get to choose between a traditional test, oral report, creation of content through a video or comic strip, or doing a group project.

The common theme between all three main principles is giving students the tools and choices to learn in whichever way works best for them as an individual.

Implementation of Guidelines

There are some guidelines I have already been using as a teacher. I try to offer varied content delivery through a combination of visuals, lectures, hands-on activities, songs, discussions, and opportunities for movement. I also like to provide flexible learning choices when possible, such as through the use of choice boards. 

While I offer choices for some learning experiences, I would like to find a way to add more student choice to the assessment activities. The prospect is a bit overwhelming with younger students, as a lot more guidance is needed for a majority of students to complete any kind of project. Offering individualized pathways is something I would like to add to my teaching practice.

The use of assistive technologies to help students with different needs is something that sounds great to me, but I would need some help to implement it. I have never been an a classroom with 1:1 technology, so I have never been able to offer all students the choice of using these features. Some additional professional development on the use of these different technologies would be helpful as well.

Further Exploration of UDL

I would like to explore more about how UDL can be utilized in a library setting. While some aspects of a classroom are present in the library as well, there are also different needs and possibilities in a library that need to be addressed. I also want to look into aspects of a library floorplan that need to be planned specially to accommodate UDL guidelines. There are many resources I have found that I intend to explore further including:

General UDL Resources

The difference between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and traditional education

https://www.understood.org/articles/the-difference-between-universal-design-for-learning-udl-and-traditional-education

This offers a chart comparing the differences between methods used in the traditional classroom and those used in the UDL classroom.

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

https://www.understood.org/articles/universal-design-for-learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works

This guide is in easy-to-understand language and was advertised as something that can be shared with families to help them understand this approach to learning.

Getting started with Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-universal-design-for-learning 

This includes a great printable “Getting Started” chart with questions to help teachers focus on all three principles when planning a lesson, daily routine, or activity for students, as well of examples of different means that could be provided. 

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Toolkit

https://myusf.usfca.edu/usfteach/udl-toolkit

This toolkit has information about different ways to provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and action & expression.

UDL for Library Resources

What Can Librarians Do to Incorporate UDL into Their Library Instruction?

https://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/keeping_up_with/udl

There is a list of “easy tasks librarians can do” as well as a list of questions to help you recognize any infrastructure issues.

Equal Access: Universal Design of Libraries

https://www.washington.edu/doit/equal-access-universal-design-libraries 

Through bulleted lists of questions, this guide helps you consider UDL issues in the areas of planning, policies, and evaluation, physical environments and products, library staff, information resources and technology, events, and communication.

Instruction Librarians' Toolkit

https://guides.tricolib.brynmawr.edu/c.php?g=560375&p=4074407

Here you can find a framework for applying the 9 UDL principles to the library classroom.

How Universal Design Will Make Your Library More Inclusive

https://www.slj.com/story/how-universal-design-will-make-your-library-more-inclusive

This article discusses how to use UDL to make your library more inclusive for all.

UDL Library Floorplan Resources

Universal Design for Library Buildings

https://iflalbes.wordpress.com/2017/10/13/universal-design-for-library-buildings/

This article talks about features of the library building that must be considered for UDL including building navigation, service desks, shelving, learning and study environments, power outlets, self-service, storage systems, and the implementation of use-centered design.

Academic Library Building Design: Resources for Planning: Accessibility / Universal Design

https://acrl.libguides.com/c.php?g=459032&p=7152730

This focuses more on the features that need to be looked at for those with disabilities. There are links to many articles and other resources about how to make libraries accessible.

References

CAST. (2010). UDL At A Glance. YouTube. Retrieved October 23, 2023, from

    https://youtu.be/bDvKnY0g6e4.

CAST (2018). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2. Retrieved from

    http://udlguidelines.cast.org

Morin, A. (n.d.). What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?. Understood.

    https://www.understood.org/articles/universal-design-for-learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works

Posey, A. (n.d.). Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A teacher’s guide. Understood. (n.d.).

    Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A teacher’s guide. Retrieved from   

    https://www.understood.org/articles/understanding-univer