Universal Design for learning

Universal Design for Learning

The Eastern Alliance in Science , Technology , Engineering , and Mathematics (n .d ) states that universally designed learning helps with the federal law on No Child Left Behind act

The universal design for learning refers to a design of instructional materials and activities that encompasses the different individual needs of the students . The differences vary widely in terms of the student 's speech , hearing , speaking , movement , language familiarity , organization dedication in the activity , interest , and memory (Orkwis , 1999

Burgstahler (2005 ) ratifies this by saying that this is an approach

for instructions to take an approach which takes into consideration the various abilities , backgrounds , ages , and other differing characteristics . The universal design has seven principles

Equitable use - has useful design that is also marketable to people including the disabled

Flexibility in use - flexible presentation of the course such as audio-visual presentations that match students ' choice to see or hear the lesson

Simple and intuitive - design of the material is easy to use and understand for everyone

Perceptible information - making sure that the information given can be perceived , such as showing graphics for an audible lecture to be understood better

Tolerance for error - errors are easy to manipulate and fix , such as providing guidance to students on what to do if the wrong button has been pressed in the computer

Low physical effort - efficient and comfortable learning is possible with little or no fatigue

Size and space for approach and use - making sure that there is ample space for the activities of the class (Burgstahler , 2005

To successfully implement a universally designed curriculum , one may follow these different features

a ) multiple means of representation - presenting the subject alternately for advanced students and the opposite , or between those who are keen on sight against those keen on hearing

b ) multiple means of expression - allows pupils to react to the lesson on their means

c ) multiple means of engagement - various presentation means to match each student 's means of expression to motivate the students to learn (Orkwis , 1999

Flexible curricular materials are essential for a universal design for learning . Multimedia (digital ) materials offer the most flexibility Also , the curriculum should be be maintained in a level fit for the general audience yet understandable by the members of the class who may be having a hard time following the subject (Orkwis , 1999

According to Burgstahler (2005 , some strategies in a universally designed learning process is (a ) setting the climate of the class such as opening communication lines between the students and the instructor (b ) ensuring physical access , usability , and safety of materials to all students such as mid-range boards to accommodate disabled as well as regularly abled students (c ) various delivery methods such as audio-visual presentations to accommodate students who prefer visuals and those who prefer to listen (d ) giving students accessible resources of class materials to help them with advanced readings such as a syllabus containing the references of the course (e ) allowing interaction for students such as in group...