Inspiration Concept Map – Universal Design for Learning
This concept map is based upon chapters 3 and 4 from the “Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age” portion of the Cast Website and reflects the main points that I have derived from them. The concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) originates with architectural changes made to buildings in order to enhance accessibility, an idea that was later applied to the field of education which resulted in classrooms filled with students with diverse learning needs. UDL draws upon neuroscience and media in order to create differentiated instruction and curricula that when combined and applied, create choices of materials, content, tools, contexts and supports to enhance student learning, resulting in meaningful progress made by an empowered student. Increased understanding of the functioning of three neural networks in the brain (recognition, strategy and affect) united with certain characteristics of digital media that are especially applicable to education (versatility, transformability, capacity to be marked and capacity to be networked) creates flexibility in presentation, expression and apprenticeship and engagement – the three underlying principles of UDL. Goals, material, methods and assessment contribute to differentiated instruction while accessibility and appropriateness are hallmarks of UDL curricula. Thus, implementation of the UDL framework enhances learning for all students because it is flexible and can adjust to the learning needs of each student.
http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter3_9.cfm
Are you suggesting that UDL means that a synthesis of knowledge should deliberately be analyzed and differentiated for the students to learn the different parts, to arrive at the same synthesis again after a recombinant process? Isn't that making sure that what comes out of the hat is what was put into it in the first place? How about a little democratic freedom for students to learn what they wish to learn and discuss? Or did I misunderstand?
ReplyDeleteLooks like your blog is getting some followers! You've done a nice job of combining shapes and colors to give a clear picture of your understanding of UDL.
ReplyDelete