There is an abundance of information out there about UDL. Universal Design for Learning is based on neuroscience and strives to help educators reach every student in their classroom through effective and efficient teaching. I enjoyed my exploration of the Universal Design for Learning approach and reflected upon my current teaching. I look forward to learning more about this program and using it in my classroom.
1. Which of these guidelines am I already using?
I foster collaboration and community by giving my students opportunities to discuss books and work together on their activities during each library class period. I activate and supply background knowledge with my research lessons, and I highlight patterns, critical features, big ideas, and relationships through my read-alouds.
2. Which of these could I add right now to my teaching practice?
I believe that right now I could add student choice to my activities. I could also add alternatives for auditory and visual information. Lastly, I could begin varying the methods for response and navigation.
3. Which of these looks great, but I might need some help to implement?
All of the options under “Executive Functions” are great, but I’m not sure how to implement them with students in the library. I would need more information or training about that.
I would like to understand more about the neuroscience behind UDL. I think understanding the system's origin will help me find ways to incorporate the strategies into my library lessons. I will read the following journal articles to learn more about it.
Han Yuan, Rippetoe, J., Lei Ding, Ziho Kang, Shehab, R. L., & West, S. G. (2017). Universal design for learning in the framework of neuroscience-based education and Neuroimaging-based assessment. 2017 2nd International Conference on Bio-Engineering for Smart Technologies (BioSMART), Bio-Engineering for Smart Technologies (BioSMART), 2017 2nd International Conference On, 1–4. https://doi-org.ezproxy.shsu.edu/10.1109/BIOSMART.2017.8095338
CAST. (2018). UDL & the Learning Brain. Standford University. Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/gme/program_portal/faculty/Program_Director_Retreat/Handouts%20Combined.pdf
