UDL is a set of principles that instructors can follow to help their lessons be more flexible and reach more learners. There are three main principles that must be followed in order to achieve this goal:
1. Provide multiple means of REPRESENTATION
2. Provide multiple means of ACTION and EXPRESSION
3. Provide multiple means of ENGAGEMENT
The Cast website (http://www.cast.org/udl/index.html) provides a look inside the neuroscience that proves the effectiveness of the three principles of UDL.
The website also gives detailed descriptions of how to meet the unique needs of each individual learner in your classroom in a way that coordinates with the three UDL principles. I used one of my own lesson plans that I thought could use some improvement to go through the checklist on the website and brainstorm ways that I could differentiate the lesson. I gained some great ideas for customizing the visual representation through the use of technology (Checkpoint 1.3), enhancing student capacity for monitoring progress (Checkpoint 6.4), and develop self assessment skills (Checkpoint 9.3). I'll be testing them out in my classroom next week!
Nina, I'm also trying to incorporate small suggestions from the CAST website - I think it's a great resource for little things to do differently. I hope it goes well for you!
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