Universal Design Learning in Math

  We are always looking for ways to improve our teaching so students learn the material better. One way to do that is to utilize Universal Design for Learning or UDL when planning lessons.  UDL allows for more flexible ways to teach lessons and more ways for students to show they've learned the material.

Behind the UDL is that when used, it can reach all students.  There are three basic principals UDL is built on.  First one must provide multiple ways of representation, second provide multiple ways of actions, and third provide multiple ways of engagement.

The teaching practices that meet UDL design includes video captioning, multiple online resources, observation, organize your board, and use multiple forms of assessment.  Some of the recommended ways to organize your board are to cover the board left to right, underline important information, recap the previous day's material, and always include the outline of a schedule for that day's lesson.  My schedule usually looks something like warm-up, notes, practice problems, and a game.  Sometimes instead of notes, I might use a video or even use a video for practice problems.

One reason for making sure the video captioning is on is to help students focus on the material instead of just watching it.  I know for myself, I always put the closed captioning on so I can read the what is being said in addition to listening to it.  I find, I pay more attention to what is going on.  It also allows hearing impaired students a chance to follow the videos without feeling as if they are different.

As far a online resources go, there are so many sites out there filled with video's, tools, examples, quizzes, visual aides to help students.  Some of these can be assigned to help students do the work at home.  There are multiple types of online calculators students can use to check their work for various types of problems.

When. observing students, watch for facial expressions indicating their confusion, ask questions, make them feel as if you care about how well they do.  Not every student is going to ask for help because they might be too shy, too insecure, or too lost.

So you may be wondering what a UDL lesson plan should look like.  The teacher should anticipate student needs when building the lesson plan.  When creating the lesson, build in differentiation so the need of each student is met.  The lesson itself should be filled with well supported activities which engage students in a safe learning environment.  Include multiple ways to learn and show knowledge and skills.  Assess student learning and adjust often.

Some ways to increase engagement include using alternate seating, offering choice boards, giving brain breaks, think-pair-share, peer tutoring, timers, and exit tickets.  Some ways to represent the mathematical concept would be a Three Act Math activity, visual cuing, text to speech options, manipulatives, word walls, or flash cards.  Suggested ways to show what they know might be using online tools, acting something out, record a video, use manipulatives, make an oral presentation, or think-pair-share.

This is just an introduction to give people an idea of UDL and its application in math but I'm planning on addressing this topic later on in more detail.  Thank you for reading this.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.