Hello... I am responding to this on list because I think this is one of the things we all ought to be informed about and prepared for in our classrooms. UDL or Universal Design for Learning is a set of principles for curriculum development that provides (in theory at least) opportunities for all individuals to learn. It is meant to be a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods and materials that work for everyone...not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs.
The principles are organized around Representation (which builds on brain research for recognition--the what of learning), Action and Expression (strategic networks that build on the how of learning), and Engagement (and affective networks that address things like motivation and engagement) For Representation, for example, one plans to provide options for perception-like customizing the display of information, providing alternatives for auditory or visual information. OR, one plans to provide options for comprehension such as activating background knowledge, highlighting patterns, critical features, big ideas and relationships (Think Marzano's cues, questions and advance organizers)or maximizing transfer by making instruction relevant to real life. Here are some links for a starting place for your reading (you will need to cut and paste into your browser as the links won't work through the listserv) http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/whatisudl http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Design_for_Learning I think it behooves all of us to start becoming familiar with this. It is being pushed in Maryland now as a way to implement Common Core. Technology use is a big part of the way to provide options for reach of these principles. It was presented to me as a different way to think of differentiation... a way to provide all learners --from those with IEPs to gifted.--access to appropriate instruction. I don't have a strong opinion on it yet... I have had a half-day workshop on it at a local assessment conference, but will be engaging in district PD later this summer. On the surface, there seems to be some good things here...but it will depend on how it is used. WE as a profession need to know and understand how it is MEANT to work before someone who doesn't truly understand it forces application of it in a way that was not intended and that does not make sense for kids. There is one area that seems to me may be ripe for potential abuse: When providing alternative ways for students to access information, teachers are encouraged use technology in a way that students no longer have to read and navigate texts themselves. Anyone else see a potential problem here? Jennifer L. Palmer, Ed. D. Instructional Facilitator National Board Certified Teacher Magnolia Elementary (home school) 901 Trimble Road Joppa, MD 21085 410-612-1553 Fax 410-612-1576 "In every child a touch of greatness!!' Proud of our Title One School Norrisville Elementary 5302 Norrisville Road White Hall, MD 21161 410-692-7810 Fax 410-692-7812 Where Bright Futures Begin!! ________________________________________ From: mosaic-bounces+jennifer.palmer=hcps....@literacyworkshop.org [mosaic-bounces+jennifer.palmer=hcps....@literacyworkshop.org] on behalf of Tracy Gaestel [aj...@lafn.org] Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 8:13 PM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Core Curriculum My district is interested in this also. I've signed up for a 5 day intro called Design Based Learning. I'm thinking it is the same thing??? Tracy On Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:20:18 -0700, Felicia Barra <fcbsm...@optonline.net> wrote: > Hi everyone, > > It's funny how this list gets so quiet as the school year winds down. I > was > wondering if anyone has taken any courses on Understand by Design > (UbD). If > so, did you find them helpful? My district is going to UbD for lesson > plans > next school year. Please e-mail me off list. > > > Thanks. > > _______________________________________________ > Mosaic mailing list > Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org > To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to > http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org > > Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive > > _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive
