The Importance Of Universal Design For Learning In The Classroom

The Importance of Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom
Cassie Kimble
Marshall University

Abstract
Different students, curriculum, teachers, and media present different strengths and challenges. Instead of retrofitting curriculum for students via accommodations and modifications, the principles of Universal Design of Learning (UDL) prompt teachers to design curriculum that is flexible and adaptable to multiple forms of learning and engagement to facilitate the learning of all students.
Keywords: Universal Design of Learning (UDL), flexible, adaptable, accommodations, modifications

An innovative approach to instruction, universal design for learning (UDL), assists teachers as they meet the educational needs of increasingly diverse learners in schools. By integrating brain-based learning theories, research based best practices, and instructional technologies, the underlying principles of UDL offer powerful
This increasingly varied student body presents diverse learning needs often not addressed through traditional instructional approaches in higher education (e.g., lecture). Many recent principles for designing instruction and instructional environments to address student diversity have been based on the principles of UDL (Roberts, Park, Brown, & Cook, 2011). Making post secondary education more accessible to students with disabilities through curriculum development, consistent with the principles of UDL, indicates that the colleges and universities are taking steps in the right direction. By bringing flexibility and creativity to instructional delivery allows students in post secondary education to gain knowledge by taking advantage of their