Understanding Learner Variability: Theory to Practice

AGC Institute, July 2014Dr. Liz Berquistlizberquist@allined.com

Session Goals

• Introduce the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework:

• What is UDL?

• Why UDL?

• How do we begin to apply UDL?

How familiar are you with Universal Design for Learning?

! Universal*design*for*learning*is*a!scien0fically*valid*framework*for*guiding*educa0onal*prac0ce*that*!  *(a)*provides*flexibility*in*the*ways*informa0on*is*presented,*in*the*ways*students*respond*or*demonstrate*knowledge*and*skills,*and*in*the*ways*students*are*engaged;*and**

!  (b)*reduces*barriers*in*instruc0on,*provides*appropriate*accommoda0ons,*supports,*and*challenges,*and*maintains*high*achievement*expecta0ons*for*all*students,*including*students*with*disabili0es*and*students*who*are*limited*English*proficient.***

!  Higher*Educa0on*Opportunity*Act*(2008)*

The UDL guidelines provide a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and

assessments that work for everyone--not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible

approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs

UDL is framework for designing learning environments that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.

Session Goals

• Introduce the UDL framework:

• What is UDL?

• Why UDL?

• How do we begin to apply UDL?

What is UDL?

UDL At A Glance

UDL influences

Universal DesignNeuroscienceDigital Technology

UDL influences

Universal Design NeuroscienceDigital Technology

UDL influences

Universal DesignNeuroscience Digital Technology

UDL influences

Universal DesignNeuroscienceDigital Technology

Session Goals

• Introduce the UDL framework:

• What is UDL?

• Why UDL?

• How do we begin to apply UDL?

Elevator Speech! What is UDL??

Session Goals

• Introduce the UDL framework:

• What is UDL?

• Why UDL?

• How do we begin to apply UDL?

Why UDL?

Learner Variability

Good………………………………..Not-So-Good!

•  Age$Development$– “Milestones”$– “Pre4K$text”$

•  Systema(c*Differences*– Affec(ve*– Strategic*– Recogni(on*

What does this mean?

Curriculum can work harder!

Policy and Practice

A Quick Variability Example!

Session Goals

• Introduce the UDL framework:

• What is UDL?

• Why UDL?

• How do we begin to apply UDL?

??

Session Goals• Introduce the UDL

framework:

• What is UDL?

• Why UDL?

• How do we begin to apply UDL? How do we begin?

#1. Make the conceptual shift !

#2. Apply the Guidelines to your learning environment

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Low-tech, mid-tech, high-tech representations of the guidelines

udlpd.weebly.com

UDL Simulator

Beowulf

Thinking Big About Engagement

Session Goals

• Introduce the UDL framework:

• What is UDL?

• Why UDL?

• How do we begin to apply UDL?

How will you begin to apply UDL in our practice?

UDL foundational assumptionsOne analogy, 2 stories

Did we meet our goals?

Questions:Dr. Liz Berquistlizberquist@allined.com

• Introduce the UDL framework:

• What is UDL?

• Why UDL?

• How do we begin to apply UDL?