Blog Post #4 Lesson Planning

What makes the UDL lesson plan different?

• A UDL lesson plan is created by determining the goals, assessments, materials, and methods that will be used. Once those four components are determined the teacher can then choose procedures and activities that are most appropriate.The UDL lesson plan is different from other lesson plan forms because it focuses on the representation, action and representation, and engagement of learning (how, why, and when). This results in a lesson that includes a variety of methods, materials, and forms of assessment that are developed specifically for the learners. As seen in the picture above, all students are engaging in the material in different ways. However, it is important to remember that they are still learning the same content.

Picture Link: http://www.udlcenter.org/sites/udlcenter.org/files/ataglance.jpg

How do you determine the lesson assessment?

Picture Link: http://www.edutopia.org/sites/default/files/styles/tabbed_slate_image/public/cs-assess-experts.jpg?itok=G6xYo0KN

• The lesson assessment should evaluate the students' understanding of the material based on the objectives and goals. The assessment should also be chosen based on all students' abilities and necessary accommodations.

Resources for UDL Lesson Planning

• When creating any lesson plan in Florida the teacher should be sure to use the appropriate standards. The standards can be founded on the following website link: http://www.cpalms.org/Public/
• The following link is an excellent resource for teachers who are looking for more information on UDL, examples of UDL lesson plans for different grades and topics, as well as template for making their own UDL lesson plan. http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/

Reference

Meyer, A., Rose, D.H., & Gordon, D. (2013) Universal design for learning: Theory and practice. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Blog Post #3 Universal Design for Learning

 

What is UDL? 

• UDL stands for Uninversal Design for Learning. UDL is an instructional approach that enables teachers to create lessons that are appropriate for all students and learning styles. This is achieved by using flexible strategies and materials during instruction and allowing students to demonstrate understanding in various ways. The comic below reminds us that all students learn differently thus, they should not be expected to test the same.

Picture Link: http://www.sjsu.edu/cfd/docs/UDL%20at%20ALS.pdf
 
How can choice options increase access to curriculum? 

• Providing choices for methods of instruction, materials used, and assessment allows students to use their dominant learning style to get a deeper understanding of what is being taught. Options also encourage students to be engaged in learning by giving them a voice and motivation to learn. It can also lead to the student feeling more confident.

What are the three essential elements of UDL?

• The three essential elements of UDL are representation (what of learning), action and expression (how of learning), and engagement (why of learning). Representation refers to how information is presented; this should be done in multiple formats such has visual, auditory, and tactile. Action and expression refers to allowing students to demonstrate their learning in various ways. Engagement refers to motivating students by incorporating their interests in learning (IRIS).

 Picture Link: http://www.udlcenter.org/sites/udlcenter.org/files/12_udl_guidelines.png
 
What are some resources for UDL?

• The Center for Applied Special Technology or CAST is a non-profit organization that provides a plethora of information on UDL. Their website has the most updated information and resources needed to better incorporate UDL in the classroom.  http://www.cast.org/

• The following resource is a module that goes into detail explaining the UDL model and how to incorporate in the classroom.  http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/udl/