Design and Deliver

Planning and Teaching Using Universal Design for Learning

Second Edition

by Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D.

Excerpted from Design and Deliver Planning and Teaching Using Universal Design for Learning, Second Edition by Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D.

Contents

• About the Author
• Foreword David Rose
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• I Introducing Universal Design for Learning
  1. Introducing Universal Design for Learning 15
  2. The Must-Knows of the Universal Design for Learning Framework 33
• II The Principles of Universal Design for Learning
  3. Engagement 55
  4. Representation 83
  5. Action & Expression 109
• III From Planning to Practice
  6. The Learning Environment 135
  7. The Goal and the Lesson 151
• References 179
• Index 193

About the Author

Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D., Educational Consultant and Owner, The UDL Approach,

Indianapolis, Indiana

Loui Lord Nelson is an internationally recognized leader in universal design for learning (UDL) implementation. A former special education teacher, she held the first known school district-based UDL coordinator position, and herB publications include Design and Deliver: Planning and Teaching Using Universal Design for Learning (Paul H. Brookes Publishing, 2014).

Introducing Universal Design for Learning

Why use universal design for learning? Because teaching is all about diversity and it’s all about multiple approaches. Diversity is what every school presents. There are a variety of learners, and there’s really no overlap between them. To be successful, there can’t be any other way but to diversify.

Montgomery’s class was an energetic group of seventh graders from various neighborhoods in Los Angeles. He began every class by greeting them at the door by name, showing them the class schedule, and providing materials to ensure participation. Utilizing the UDL framework, Montgomery built options into his next math unit, focusing on relevance and diverse methods of expression. He engaged students by relating math lessons to their experiences with food, addressing broader conversations on societal issues. This approach fostered new levels of engagement and pride in their learning.

Analyzing Montgomery's Lesson

Use the questions to apply what you learned about UDL in the section introduction.

1. What barriers do you think Montgomery’s students face?
2. In what ways was Montgomery intentional in his design?
3. How did he apply the concept of learning environment versus classroom processes in his math lesson?
4. In what ways did Montgomery’s lesson recognize and respond to the cultural context of his students?

Our classrooms are inherently diverse. How do we design lessons and environments that can support these differences? The best way is to use the UDL framework, which guides teachers in creating inclusive learning experiences.

FOUR BIG THINGS

1. Think about what you want the end result to be.
2. Represent content in different ways.
3. Offer diverse choices.
4. Take small, manageable steps toward integrating UDL concepts into your teaching.

Summary: The Universal Design for Learning Framework

The UDL framework is powerful and includes four essential aspects:

• Begin slowly.
• A continual process.
• It is for all learners.
• It can be used across all subjects.

These principles ensure that all learners are represented and engaged in their learning process, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and adaptability in educational design.