Nancy Firchow’s article, “Universal Design for Learning: Improved Access for All” explains and gives great examples for the place and role that UDL has in classrooms today. The three principles that this design for learning focuses on are:
- Multiple methods of presentation
- Multiple options for participation
- Multiple means of expression
These principles allow for flexibility when it comes to delivering content and assessing understanding. In my own classroom, where I teach students with learning disabilities in a self-contained setting, this design for learning is important. There is no “cookie cutter” way of teaching students effectively because each and every student is an individual. Each student has his/her own needs and preferences when it comes to learning. Teaching algebra to my students can be difficult because of this fact, I find myself creating activity guides that vary in level and incorporating hands on experiences that help make content more concrete for students. I incorporate technology into the curriculum through the use of graphing calculators, a tool that is essential to my students success in this subject. I also use project based assessments to help me see where and what content is still challenging to my students. These assessments help me create lessons that address these needs.
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