Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for teaching, learning, and developing curricular materials that consider the diverse learning styles of ALL students. It is a way to challenge assumptions made about teaching and learning to support accessibility and engagement within the classroom. UDL removes barriers, provides the supports and challenges needed, and promotes high expectations for ALL.
UDL promotes the learning needs of all learners by considering from the beginning of the lesson planning procedure:
- The goals of the lesson
- The assessment of the goal
- The variability of each student
- The elimination of barriers through the UDL framework developed by CAST (shown below)
Universal Design for Learning is built on years of research in learning sciences and is focused on three networks of the brain: Affective Networks (Engagement), Recognition Networks (Representation), and Strategic Networks (Action & Expression).
