4.3 Universal Design For Learning

4. Do: Universal Design for Learning

Now it's your turn to put your new learning into action.

1. Go to the Digital Portfolio and go to the Barriers & Enablers Organizer.
2. Select an upcoming lesson or one you've recently taught.
3. Reflect on the lesson.
4. Identify any barriers in the methods/materials or assessment. Think about places in the lesson where students often have a difficult time. Determine what about that part of the lesson was problematic. List it under the barriers column of the Barriers & Enablers Organizer.
5. Then reflect on the information in the Learn: Universal Design for Learning section. On the Barriers & Enablers Organizer in your Digital Portfolio, list any potential solutions or enablers you could build in to the lesson to make it more accessible for students in the margins. Use the UDL Critical Elements information to guide your thinking. Remember, designing instruction for the students at the edges, makes the lesson better for all students.
6. Keep in mind that building in the supports prior to engaging students in the lesson allows for instant access to the lesson. Students who have instant access to the lesson won't have to "unlearn" and then "relearn" a strategy that meets their individual needs more effectively.

Hint: Use the Barriers & Enablers for Limiting Reagents Model from the lesson exploration to help guide your reflections.