Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a research-based framework for teaching built on scientific insights about how people learn. It encourages teachers to incorporate materials, techniques and strategies that provide opportunities for students to demonstrate knowledge in a variety of ways.

Learn about Universal Design for Learning

How is Universal Design for Learning Different from Differentiated Instruction?

Differentiated instruction is focused on making learning accessible by adapting the content, processes and products for individual students. Universal Design for Learning begins with the premise that no two people learn the same way.

Using the Universal Design for Learning framework, teachers plan for and provide multiple opportunities and ways for students to build and share knowledge. In Universal Design for Learning, teachers design instruction to reach all students from the outset.

Universal Design for Learning Guidelines

Engagement: The “Why” of Learning

By providing multiple opportunities for students to engage, teachers develop learners who are purposeful and motivated. Different means of engagement reach different learners.

Teachers must consider both the context of the learning and the individual learners when selecting multiple opportunities for engagement. Consider how to encourage learners to:

Get excited about learning and be curious
Tackle challenges while remaining focused and determined
Realize the power of emotion and motivation

Representation: The “What” of Learning

By providing multiple means of representation, teachers develop learners who are resourceful and knowledgeable. Learners approach, perceive and comprehend information differently.

Teachers should create a space where all learners make connections within and between concepts. Consider how to create opportunities for children to:

Interact with content that appeals to multiple senses
Engage with multiple representations (linguistic and non-linguistic) for concepts, relationships and languages
Access and build knowledge

Action & Expression – The “How” of Learning

By providing multiple means for students to share what they know, teachers develop learners who are strategic and goal-oriented. Learners approach learning tasks and express their learning differently.

Teachers can create space for all students to navigate learning. Consider how to plan for children to:

Interact with materials and tools
Use tools to achieve learning goals
Develop goals and devise strategies to reach them

Getting Started

Consider the learning goals of your students. What pathways do students have to achieve them?

Do they have multiple avenues to engage with learning?
Are they provided multiple mediums to build understanding?
Do they have access to a variety of tools to support learning?
What barriers may still exist for students?

Reflect on your current practice and how you support students. Consider what obstacles exist and what additional practices to adopt. Be proactive and prepared so that you create opportunities for all students to become expert learners.