Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for addressing the educational needs of diverse and variable learners in many settings across many stages of life. It is a means to eradicate persistent inequities in education—and it is an even more powerful tool when used as a lens for shaping educational systems, designs, and initiatives. Below is a brief overview of the three Principle of Universal Design for Learning.

  • Principle One: provide multiple means of engagement

    The “WHY” of learning concerns how you make learning relevant and meaningful to your learners by giving them a variety of ways to engage positively with course materials and participants. The aim of this principle is to create purposeful and motivated learners.

  • Principle Two: Provide multiple means of representation

    The “WHAT” of learning concerns how you represent knowledge and content and offer choice to your learners in how they access and process learning. The aim of this principle is to create knowledgeable and resourceful learners.

  • Principle Three: provide multiple means of action and expression.

    The “HOW” of learning concerns how you offer ways that your learners can express themselves and demonstrate what they know in a way that works for them, as well as how they can plan to effectively use their knowledge to reach their learning goals. The aim of this principle is to create strategic and goal-directed learners.

If you want to learn more, you can enroll in the Engaged Design and Teaching Course. Contact the CEL for more information .