The ideas and principles of Universal Design for Learning align well with the teacher I am working to become. I hope to create a classroom environment that provides students with the encouragement and acceptance needed to discover and develop their own learning style. As Firchow stated, “The goal for every student is to learn, but not every child learns in the same way.” As we know UDL assists in the meeting the needs of every type of learner.
The principles of UDL include multiple methods of information presentation, various options for participation and multiple means of expression. For the most part I was not educated under the auspices of UDL. When I look back on my education I have to wonder how my journey as a student would have been different if UDL had been in place. What if lessons were available in different formats or if I were given the choice on how I would be assessed? I, as I imagine many of us, was not given this flexibility.
The biggest issue that presents itself is, how as a teacher I translate this from theory to practice? How can we take these big ideas, these principles and insert them into our classrooms everyday? Firchow stated, “Curriculum materials in an electronic format are the cornerstone of UDL and offer a great deal of flexibility.” I believe this is one of the keys to implementing UDL within a school. Electronic curriculum materials along with a supportive administration will be vital in translating UDL theory into every day teaching practice.
Emily Cassaro
No comments:
Post a Comment