What is Universal Design for Learning?

During our seventh class we discussed Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  UDL is an approach to teaching and learning that enables teachers to reach all students in their classroom despite the great diversity that exists.  

The first step in the UDL approach is to find out as much as possible about your students: their needs, how they learn best, and what their strengths are.  This can be accomplished by sending home surveys to parents, having students fill out surveys, talking to your students, having discussions with last years classroom teachers, and looking through each student's file.  

The second step is to implement the UDL principles and practices into your teaching.  As defined by CAST, the UDL principles and practices are: 

1. Provide multiple means of representation

2. Provide multiple means of action and expression

3. Provide multiple means of engagement. 

The document " Educator's Worksheet for the UDL Guidelines " from CAST really helped me understand the UDL principles and how I can implement these principles into my teaching.  It's definitely worth a look.