Universal Design for Learning essay
Universal Design for Learning stands for a set of principles specially designed for curriculum development in order to provide all individual learners with equal opportunities for learning. (About UDL) There are three main principles of Universal Design for Learning. The first principle provides many different means of representation. It is known that different individuals perceive and comprehend new information in different ways. For example, deaf and blind children require special approach for learning, while other individuals can fully comprehend new information through visual means, but not auditory ones. That is why there are many different means of representation. The second principle is specially designed to provide many different means of action and expression. It means that different individuals act in a learning environment and express their ideas differently. For example, the individuals with language barriers have different approach to learning tasks. Some individuals are good in writing, while others are good in speaking. That is why there are many different means of action and expression in the process of learning. The third principle of UDL provides many different means of engagement. It means that individual learners can be engaged in the process of learning or motivated differently. There are many sources that influence the individual’s motivation, including culture and background knowledge, neurology and personal relevance. Some individuals prefer to learn alone while others require group learning. In other words, motivation depends on recruiting interest of individuals, on their persistence and efforts as well as self-regulation.
Universal Design of Learning helps teachers to meet the challenges of diversity in the classroom by means of flexible instructional materials, special strategies and techniques. In this case, technology tools help teachers to find individual teaching materials to make the process of learning interesting for all students in the classroom.
