A Universally Designed Classroom

Working as an assistant teacher in a special education school, where students have a variety of different learning needs, I am constantly using the principles of UDL in my classroom. I try to provide multiple methods of presentation in as many lessons as possible, so that each student can best attain the material with his or her learning style. For example, when I present information orally I make sure to use visual supports through charts and the smart board, as well as multiple media, like videos, in order to appeal to students who are more visual learners.

I believe that motivation and interest also play a major role in learning, which is why at the beginning of the year I have students fill out an interest inventory about their interests, likes/dislikes, and subjects they would like to learn about. This allows me to tailor my instruction to the topics that students are interested in, enabling them to become more engaged with the content of the lessons. One example of this can be illustrated in my math class, where my head teacher and I arranged different stations, including areas for: an educational computer game with different levels, a math board game, hands-on materials, and oral instruction. The students would rotate every 10 minutes, allowing them to interact with the material in a variety of ways.

In addition, I recognize that students have strengths and weaknesses in their ability to express what they have learned, which is why I try my best to give options for how students can do a given assignment. For instance, in reading, I often allow students to choose whether they would prefer to draw, write or type a response. Regarding big projects, I try to give students a choice of creating a slideshow, portfolio, or a traditional paper. This provides them with multiple means of expression, allowing those with graphomotor challenges to use the computer, and those who have word retrieval or expressive language difficulties to engage in a more creative and artistic projects. Even though sometimes It might be difficult to navigate online technology and keep up with all of the new digital trends, I strongly agree with Baird (2006) that it is important to “keep abreast of change and embrace digital learning styles through curriculum design which integrates the authentic ways that students use social media,” as this will allow children to become more engaged with the material and construct their knowledge in a way that is centered around their own learning needs, strengths, and goals.