Thought Leadership
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A Quick Guide
Every student deserves the chance to learn, but every student learns differently. So, how can we meet students where they are on their learning path? That’s where Universal Design for Learning comes into play. Universal Design for Learning, otherwise known as UDL, is not a new concept. So, why are we hearing about it more and more? According to The National Edtech Plan, they strongly emphasize that states, districts, and schools should adopt the UDL Framework for the 2024-2025 school year. Read on to learn more from the BrainPOP team on UDL and how you can use it in your schools and district.
What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
In a world of constant change, guidelines help set expectations. With over 30+ years, UDL is a trusted resource, but we’re just now starting to tap into the potential to reach more students. In fact, UDL is an educational framework grounded in cognitive neuroscience research and offers principles that integrate what we know about the learning brain to inform the design of experiences and environments that support all learners. UDL starts with the premise that learner variability is the norm, not the exception.
Every student has the right and ability to learn. UDL helps facilitate that pathway. “UDL helps create spaces and learning environments to support all learners in classrooms.” -Nicolina Abruzzese, BrainPOP Regional Sales Manager
At the heart of learning design guided by UDL is a clear instructional goal students can meet in various ways. Empowering students with options addresses learner variability and “builds in” flexible pathways for learning.
“UDL recognizes that students have diverse backgrounds, skills, interests, and learning needs. It all starts with how we think about learning. How do we view kids as not kids, but as individuals? What if diversity and learner variability become the norm? And so I find myself thinking, how can learning be helpful? And that’s starting with the student’s learning journey. We can look at that student learning journey, and think about the beats, cadence, and hold that UDL framework as a guide proactively as you enter the design process. Also, consider adding diverse voices and perspectives along the design process.” -Dr. Barbara Hubert, BrainPOP Sr. Director of Learning Design
Are you looking for more UDL and equity conversations? Check out this Whiteboard Advisors-hosted round-table, “Designing Impactful Edtech for all Learners,” featuring BrainPOP, CAST, Kahoot!, and Seesaw. Watch the webinar below:
The Principles of Universal Design for Learning
According to CAST, “The UDL guidelines are a set of concrete suggestions for the implementation of Universal Design for Learning that can be applied to any discipline or domain to ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities.” Three primary principles organize the guidelines:
Multiple Means of Engagement – The “Why” of Learning:
This principle stimulates students’ interest and motivation for learning. Recognizing that students are motivated by different things and have varying levels of engagement, UDL suggests offering choices and alternatives in how they engage with content. Try these strategies:
- Offer Autonomy and Choice: Give students options for learning activities and topics to increase motivation and engagement.
- Connect to Interests: Relate lessons to real-world contexts and students’ interests to make learning more relevant and engaging.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a classroom culture that encourages risk-taking, provides positive feedback, and values diverse perspectives.
Multiple Means of Representation – The “What” of Learning:
This principle emphasizes giving students numerous ways to access and process information. For instance, providing content in text, audio, video, and interactive formats ensures that students can access and understand the material in a way that suits their needs. Try these strategies:
- Use Diverse Media: Present information in various formats, such as text, audio, video, and graphics, to cater to different learning preferences.
- Provide Alternatives for Visual and Auditory Information: Offer captions for videos, transcripts for audio materials, and visual aids for spoken instructions.
- Highlight Critical Information: Use bold text, color coding, and headings to emphasize key points and make content more accessible to scan.
Multiple Means of Action and Expression – The “How” of Learning:
This principle allows students to demonstrate what they know in different ways. UDL acknowledges that students have different strengths and preferences in how they communicate their understanding by providing options for expressing their knowledge through writing, speaking, drawing, or using digital tools. Try these strategies:
- Offer Choice in How Students Show What They Know: Allow students to demonstrate their understanding differently, such as written essays, oral presentations, video projects, or artistic creations.
- Incorporate Technology: Use tools like speech-to-text software, graphic organizers, and interactive whiteboards to support various ways of expressing knowledge.
- Scaffold Learning: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and provide models or examples to guide students.
Use self-reflection UDL checklists like this to strengthen your work or get inspired with new ideas! Here are some more examples of how to build UDL-driven learning experiences.
How to Build UDL-Driven Learning Experiences
Universal design for learning allows students to show up as they are and learn the way they learn best. Dr. Barbara Hubert also breaks down a few ways to build and incorporate a UDL-driven learning experience into your classroom.
Flexible Learning Environments
- Arrange the Classroom for Accessibility: Organize furniture and resources to allow easy movement and access for all students.
- Create Quiet Areas: Designate spaces for students who need a quieter environment to focus or reduce sensory overload.
- Use Adaptive Tools: Provide access to tools like flexible seating, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget devices to accommodate different sensory needs.
Continuous Feedback and Assessment
- Formative Assessments: Use frequent, low-stakes assessments to gauge understanding and provide timely feedback.
- Self-Assessment and Reflection: Self-reflection is essential in learning. For example, give students time and space to reflect on the process and assess their work.
- Diverse Assessment Methods: Access and use various assessment techniques, including quizzes, peer reviews, portfolios, and presentations, to capture a fuller picture of student learning.
Want a resource for your schools? Grab your infographic here.
The Benefits of Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning empowers students to learn, digest, and build knowledge and skills as best as possible. It provides an inclusive and equitable experience for all learners to grow and thrive– allowing kids to experience learning in the way they do best.
UDL framework provides:
Learner-first model
Flexibility
Adaptability
Want to learn more about what goes into designing with all learners in mind? Dive in and download our BrainPOP white paper here.
UDL: Making a Classroom Accessible for All
UDL can transform a classroom to meet students’ needs better, regardless of their learning path. Universal Design for Learning is centered on providing a more inclusive and equitable experience for all. Need help incorporating the UDL framework in your lessons? Check out UDL-inspired strategies you can implement with BrainPOP.
Kelli Rascoe is a Sr. Content Strategy Manager at BrainPOP. She has nine years of experience in writing, content marketing, and strategy for tech and Fortune 500 brands. She is also the momma to a princess scientist and a pack of rescue pups.
