Recognition. Strategic. Affective. - The Three Brain Networks

Now that we understand the three principles of Universal Design for Learning, let's look at the three brain networks that correlate directly with the UDL principles. 

Please click on the image below for a better viewing experience of a home made graphic 

Three Brain Networks 

(Images and information from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter2_3.cfm)

NETWORK DEFINITION Recognition                                     enable us to identify and understand information, ideas, concepts,  and interpret patterns of sound, light, taste, smell, and touch Strategic  enable us to plan, execute, and self-monitor actions and skills because they are specialized to generate and oversee mental and motor patterns.  Affective  enable us to engage with learning because they are specialized to evaluate patterns and impart emotional significance to them.

Representation. Action & Expression. Engagement. - The 3 Principles of Universal Design for Learning

Let's Learn how to make the content more accessible to all different types of learners by understanding the three different principles of Universal Design for Learning. In order to effectively implement UDL in the classroom, teachers must use all three principles during class instruction. The three principles are : to provide multiple means of representation, to provide multiple means of action and expression, and to to provide multiple means of engagement.  (CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.0. Wakefield, MA: Author.) 

I. Provide Multiple Means of Representation

PerceptionLanguage, expressions, and symbolsComprehension

 Principle #1 Multiple Means of Representation

The "What" of Learning

All types of students (special education classroom and inclusive classroom) learn in many different ways, therefore different representations must be used to reach every student! Providing multiple methods of representation allows for the transfer of learning and helps students make connections. Think of this blog, for example, I have written text, pictures, video clips, sample documents, links to other sites. All of these methods are representing information to you, in a different way!  

(Graphic from CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines )

II. Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression

Physical actionExpression and communicationExecutive function

Principle #2 Provide Multiple Means of Action & Expression
The "How" of Learning

Just like the first principle, it is key that teachers provide their students with options for action and expression. It is important to note, that there is no single type of action and expression that is ideal.  Students vary in the method they can communicate what they know.  In other words, a student should have variety and choice! You will see leaners differ as  action and expression involve the use of  strategy, practice, and organization (CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.0. Wakefield, MA: Author.) 

(Graphic from CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines )

III. Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

Recruiting interestSustaining effort and persistenceSelf-regulation

Principle #3 Provide Multiple Means of Engagement  

The "Why" of Learning

Teachers must provide multiple options of engagement for their students.  Just like the second principle, there is no one ideal method of engagement. (All the more reason for options!) Just like adults, different factors apply to what motivates a student to learn. It is our job as teachers to understand what influences our students to learn! 

 (Graphic from CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines )

Let's Explore Universal Design for Learning (U.D.L) !

Let's learn how to even the playing field together! Please join me as I build my knowledge on the educational concept called Universal Design for Learning, also referred to as "UDL." UDL is a, "set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn."(http://www.cast.org/udl/index.html)
UDL provides a consistent framework for understanding from the beginning of instruction and thus allows teachers to shape their students into strategic and expert learners.  When UDL is implemented, content is accessible to diverse learners both in the inclusive classroom, and the special education classroom. Technology is a key component to make the content accessible to all types of learners. 

UDL Concept Map
 (http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter4_graphical.cfm)

Sample UDL Lesson Plan Template

Provided by Dr. Rasheeda Ahmad, Cabrini College, Graduate Program of Education

Welcome to my Blog!

Welcome to my Blog!  My name is Julie, and I am a graduate student in the Post-Baccalaureate Education Program at Cabrini College.  I am studying to receive my Teacher Certifications in Grades PreK -4 and Special Education. I am also working towards completing my Masters of Education. I am excited to do my student teaching this fall.   As a part of my coursework, I am currently taking a class called Assistive Technology.  I invite you to follow my blog, as it will document my learning of course material! I was fortunate enough to have used Assistive Technology myself, to help with vision disabilities. I used computer software called Kurzweil that read my books to me, as I followed along. I am very interested in learning how I can effectively use different types of technology to help even the playing field for my students with learning differences. Enjoy!