Introduction to Universal Design for Learning
What is UDL?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based framework that utilizes a set of principles to drive curriculum planning and optimize teaching and learning for all learners. According to CAST, “UDL aims to change the design of the environment rather than to situate the problem as a perceived deficit of the learner. [emphasis added] When environments are intentionally designed to reduce barriers, all learners can engage in rigorous, meaningful learning."
The UDL framework is grounded in three principles that support a goal focused on benefiting all learners through purposeful, accessible, and flexible instructional design and facilitation. This approach complements, but does not replace, differentiated learning and reasonable accommodations for documented disabilities.
UDL’s original goal was to develop expert learners who are purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, and strategic and goal-oriented. (CAST 2018) In 2024, the framework was refreshed and revised after several years of authentic feedback and observations along with an examination of current and expanding research. This research left no doubt as to the importance of addressing “barriers rooted in biases and systems of exclusion”. (CAST 2024) The framework’s revision conscientiously embraces the perspectives of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging in the classroom. As a result, UDL remains focused on the learner but its goal has shifted to be learner agency that is purposeful and reflective, resourceful and authentic, and strategic and action-oriented. Correspondingly, the principles have shifted from providing (a faculty-centric approach) to designing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression. With the shift, the framework has become less about what the instructor perceives as required or appropriate to learning and more about creating an environment that’s built for the learner’s interests; an environment where every learner has more agency in their learning..
Why Use UDL?
Every learner is different. UDL helps educators move away from the one-size-fits-all approach and offers a flexible pedagogical framework that provides learning experiences that will be accessible to all. It can improve how students interact, how information is presented, and how knowledge is demonstrated. It aims to allow every student to succeed without sacrificing rigor or academic excellence. Embracing UDL also improves student satisfaction, retention, and persistence.
Getting Started with UDL
Incorporating UDL into a course may seem daunting at first; however, there are many small steps you can take to make course design and materials more inclusive. Try incorporating UDL into one activity, assessment, or class session to start. Look to CAST’s UDL guidelines and their aligned considerations (and examples) that will help you reach and support more learners in more ways. Embrace UDL to create the environment for students to more fully participate in their learning, making choices that are purposeful, reflective, resourceful, authentic strategic, and goal-directed.
For example, within the framework’s principle of designing multiple means of representation, there is a guideline to "design options for language and symbols". One consideration that aligns with this guideline is cultivating understanding and respect across languages and dialects. Some concrete examples provided by CAST to implement this consideration include embedding visual, non-linguistic supports for vocabulary clarification as well as incorporating links to multilingual glossaries on the web (made more applicable if these glossaries are in geared toward the core curriculum). (CAST 2024)
