Universal  Design  for  Learning

The simplest way to describe UDL is to compare it to a buffet table. If someone is hosting a party, some guests might have varied dietery restrictions. Not everyone can eat the same tyoe of food. How can the host meet these needs in a respectful way that is equitable for all and no one goes home hungry? One can include dishes that are gluten free, vegetarian, spicy etc. among the other array of food on the buffet table. Then those with restrictions can serve their fill. And others at the event also have the option of trying them.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. (https://www.cast.org/impact/universal-design-for-learning-udl) 

In classrooms around the world there are students who learn and process ideas in many different ways. UDL means providing many options for these students to learn and present what they learned using different modalities. It considers all types of student needs such as physical, cognitive and Dual language learners.

Let's discuss ideas on how a buffet of learning tools can be available for students to be successful.