Universal+Design+for+Learning

The Universal Design for Learning is a concept where teachers design lessons to meet all the needs of the learners. Gone is the "typical" classroom of yesterday when the teacher was held only accountable for delivering the information. Today we have TEKS, TAKS, and many other systems to hold teachers accountable for student learning. With this change, so too must the idea of a "one size fits all" approach to teaching change. The UDL allows teachers to consider that people learn in many different ways and teachers must prepare lessons to encompass the various learning styles. According to the CAST website, the UDL states that there are three components to this concept:

"Universal Design for Learning calls for ...
The following videos were created by Colorado State University and discuss the need for UDL in all classrooms. media type="youtube" key="rH1CxE3yO8s" height="344" width="425"
 * //Multiple means of representation,// to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge,
 * //Multiple means of action and expression,// to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know,
 * //Multiple means of engagement,// to tap into learners' interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation."

media type="youtube" key="jCVJNKxLyts" height="344" width="425" The name does not imply that it is one lesson plan for all, rather, it is a concept such as closed captioning or breaks in sidewalks. All benefit from these modifications.

Diana Sullivan

__Reference__ "CAST UDL Lesson Builder: Learn About Universal Design for Learning (UDL)." //CAST UDL Lesson Builder//. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. <http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/learn