Learning Design

4.4. Universal Design for Learning

Steve Lowe (ShareFest,2013) discusses this concept. It’s a set of principles that addresses the needs of all learners – Planning for all Learners (PAL). “According to Rose and Meyer (2002), UDL is built on the premise that “barriers to learning occur in the interaction with the curriculum—they are not inherent solely in the capacity of the learner. Thus, when education fails, the curriculum, not the learner should take the responsibility for adaptation” (p. 20).” (As cited in Meo, n.d. p. 3).

UDL provides for:
1. multiple or flexible representations of information and concepts (the “what” of learning),
2. multiple or flexible options in expression and performance (the “how” of learning), and
3. multiple or flexible ways to engage learners in the curriculum (the “why” of learning; Rose & Meyer, 2002).” (ibid, p.3).

In essence this a team based approach that follows a kind of action research cycle:

From Meo, p 6.