PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING
Engagement In this principle, teachers must provide multiple ways of engagement so that students will be motivated to learn. This can be done by using different strategies to encourage participation.
It empowers the students as learners and they become cognizant of their strengths and preferences. It provides the students an opportunity to learn from each other and have a knowledge that people learn in different ways rather than a one size fits all concept. In engagement, students are asked to answer the "why" question: Why should I learn this and why is it important?" In the classroom, an example of ways to engage students would be use of a video introduction, a game or the use of cooperative learning strategies to review a lesson or assess prior knowledge. |
Representation In this principle, teachers are asked to provide the students multiple ways to learn the lesson through different formats. This is to cater to each student's style of learning.
In representation, students are asked to answer the "what question": What am I learning and How are you going to teach it to me. Tools such as graphic organizers and mnemonic devices may be used to help student learn and understand a lesson. In math, teaching students different ways to solve an equation by using manipulatives, drawings or just arithmetic will be a good way to provide students different opportunities to learn a math concept. |
Action/Expression In this principle, Teachers need to provide their students options for expression. Tools such as the use of multimedia, synthesize reading, use of comics, visual aids, videos and digital storytelling maybe used in writing tasks.
Assistive tools like alternative keyboards, or expressive tools such as speech to text should be available to give the students the ability to express what they are thinking.This helps students with disabilities overcome their limitations and express themselves. |