This week, we are chatting all about why UDL (Universal Design For Learning) is a great approach to designing classrooms that make learning accessible for all students. We are focusing on the big picture in this episode by going over what UDL is and isn't, how it's different from choice or differentiation, and strategies/tips to begin thinking about UDL in your lesson design.

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**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/87**

What is UDL?

• Based on the premise that all students are capable of success when we provide pathways and empower them to determine what they need at any given point in time
• Goal of UDL - create expert learners (purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, and strategic and goal-directed)
• Different from choice (just a piece of UDL) or differentiation (reactionary)
• Learner variability is the rule - a single explanation or model will not address the range of skills, abilities, language proficiencies, etc in a classroom - variability changes according to context, opportunity, etc.
• Lots of overlap with mastery-based learning, culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy (esp. high academic expectations), ungrading, trauma-informed pedagogy, blended instructional models
• 3 main buckets/pillars:
  • Multiple means of engagement - student choice, lesson relevance, motivation, self-assessment, feedback
  • Multiple means of representation - multiple modalities, scaffolds, visuals, cross-curricular connections, note-taking skills
  • Multiple means of action & expression - EdTech tools, choice for demonstrating learning, feedback, reflection (portfolios, conferencing, entrance/exit tickets)
• It's okay to let go of control in your classroom; focus on de-centring yourself and shifting the focus onto students

Resources:

• UDL Infographic from Katie Novak
• Learner Variability Project - Digital Promise
• Learner Variability Navigator
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A teacher's guide 
• UDL Guidelines from CAST
• UDL Progression Rubric from Katie Novak
• Chemix 

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