Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning is a process of making course concepts accessible and skills attainable regardless of learning style, physical or sensory abilities.

SF State has joined grant originator Sonoma State and others as a partner campus in the Ensuring Access through Collaboration and Technology EnACT grant from the Department of Education. The Disability Programs and Resource Center and Center for Teaching and Faculty Development are co-directors of the project on this campus and will be offering funded opportunities for faculty participation.

Key Principles of Universal Design for Learning

There are three key principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

• Faculty can offer various ways to REPRESENT essential course concepts
• Faculty can offer various ways to encourage student ENGAGEMENT
• Faculty can offer students various formats for EXPRESSION of what they have learned

REPRESENTATION refers to how you design and deliver information to your class.
ENGAGEMENT refers to how students participate in your class.
EXPRESSION refers to how you ask students to demonstrate what they have learned.

Importance of Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning UDL can help you meet the needs of diverse learners by removing the barriers from the learning process. All of your courses will benefit from the added flexibility in delivering course content, assignments and activities. By providing alternatives that allow students to access and engage in learning, you will reduce the need for individualized accommodations.

Consider the following...

• Do you wish more of your students understood the concepts, information, and materials you are teaching?
• Are you as savvy as you would like to be about meeting the different learning styles of ALL students?
• Do you wish you knew more ways to take advantage of the teaching technology available today?
• Do you want to explore new ways you can make students feel more comfortable and competent in the classroom?
• Are you looking for innovative ways to improve your teaching skills?

Universal Design for Learning is the Answer!