Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational approach that guides

curriculum planning and delivery. Based on scientific research of learning, UDL principles
were created to address the growing diversity of student populations and the need to
accommodate this diversity in the classroom. We know that each student in our
classrooms brings with them their own interests, skills, and needs; as teachers, we need
to value these differences and accordingly provide flexibility in our approaches to
instruction and assessment.
Below, I have outlined 5 UDL principles that provide a general framework for flexible
learning environments:
1.

Plan and provide various types of activities to scaffold and facilitate

learning.
In this way, students of all intelligences and learning styles have the opportunity to
further understanding and apply knowledge in multiple ways.

2.

Be consistent with expectations but differentiate assessment and

utilize assessment pieces in a timely manner. By allowing students to show
what they have learned in different ways (oral presentation, poster, lab report), it
helps them to better understand the learned material and does not favour any one
type of learner. Assessment should also be done in a timely manner so that
students can receive timely feedback and teachers can adjust instruction as
needed.

3.

Ensure that the classroom space is welcoming and accessible to all

students (e.g. place resources within reach of all students). In this way, every
student will feel that they have equal rights to education as all their classmates
and thus feel motivated to learn.

4.

Use technology and modern tools to enhance classroom learning.

By incorporating videos, photos, music, game apps, and the like, lessons can be
more engaging/fun for students and excite more active participation/interaction.

5.

Be mindful of the cultural diversity in the classroom and use this

knowledge to personalize learning. By implementing culturally responsive
teaching that respects and acknowledges all cultures in the classroom, teachers
can show students that they are important and that they can influence classroom
learning.