Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides flexible curricula and multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement based on how the brain naturally learns. UDL aims to give all students equal opportunities to learn by addressing the recognition, strategic, and affective networks of the brain. This is achieved through techniques like providing multiple formats for content, choices for demonstrating knowledge, and ways to stimulate interest. The goal is for each student to access curriculum in a way that maximizes their learning.

1. Universal Design for Learning
An Educator‟s Guide

2. What is UDL?
• „flexible curricula that provide students with
• multiple ways of accessing content,
• multiple means for expressing what they learn,
• multiple pathways for engaging their interest
and motivation” (Howard, 2004)
• UDL…”give all individuals equal
opportunities to learn” (CAST)

3. UDL in Action
“…each student (needs) to have access to
curriculum in a way that promotes the most
learning for that individual” (Howard, 2004)
• Providing multiple levels of text on the same
content
• Learning about frogs-find books in multiple
reading levels
• Digital copies of text with the read aloud
feature

4. UDL in Action
• Develop Learning Profiles and teach to these
learning styles, preferences, intelligences
• Make Choices available – this is more
reflective of the real world

5. Three Principles of UDL and Brain Research
• I: Multiple Means of Representation
• Recognition Network of the Brain
• II: Multiple Means of Action and Expression
• Strategic Network of the Brain
• III: Multiple Means of Engagement
• Affective Network of the Brain

6. I: Multiple Means of Representation
• Presenting content and information in a variety of
ways
• Recognition Network of the brain deals pattern
recognition and the brain‟s ability to process
patterns (Laureate, 2009)

7. I: Multiple Means of Representation
Instructional Examples
• Visual/Auditory/Tactile/Kinesthetic
• Different Size Text/Color/Font
• Ability to amplify sound
• Graphic Organizers w/pictures and text
• Manipulative
• Anticipatory Guides
• Video

8. II: Multiple Means of Action and Expression
• Providing multiple ways for students to show what they
know
• Strategic Network of the brain deals with the
process, plans and action for plans (Laureate,
2009)

9. II: Multiple Means of Action and Expression
Instructional Examples
• Providing choice – written, verbal, project-based
• Different Software
• Scaffolding and Activating Background Knowledge
• Pair/Share
• Cell phones/Student Response Systems
• Use of wait time

10. III: Multiple Means of Engagement
• Stimulate interest and motivation for learning
• Affective Network of the brain deals with emotions
and sorting out what‟s important and what‟s not
(Laureate, 2009)

11. III: Multiple Means of Engagement
Instructional Examples
• Engaging Learners
• Working alone, with partners, small group…providing choice
• Material must be relevant and interesting
• Bounce Card
• Use goal-setting
• Providing Choice and Options
• Rubrics and Checklists