What are the best ways to use universal design for learning in your lesson plans?

I think it is also very important that goals are broken down to smaller chunks so they are much more attainable by the lower leveled groups of students. This will enable learning to be more equitable as well.

Establishing clear goals that are aligned with standards and essential skills is critical when using the UDL framework. In this planning process, it also important to anticipate learner variability and look to eliminate barriers to ensure student success.

One thing I have found helpful that activities needs to be planned using play method, keeping the VARK skills in mind. That aims at creating joy and provides children with first hand concrete experiences, which are age appropriate,adequate and relevant based on their development needs.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) aligns harmoniously with visual art and the broader realm of fine arts due to its emphasis on inclusivity, engagement, and multiple means of representation. UDL recognizes the diverse learning styles and needs of individuals, resonating deeply with the core principles of art education. Its relevance to the arts lies in its ability to: Incorporating UDL principles into art education facilitates a more inclusive and enriching learning experience, enabling diverse learners to tap into their innate creative abilities and express themselves through the universal language of art.

Multiple Means of Representation: UDL encourages providing information in diverse formats. In art, this translates to offering visual content, auditory explanations, and even tactile experiences, allowing learners to engage with the material through their preferred mode.

It’s vital to use this approach in teaching if we are to cultivate a perpetually positive mindset in our students. Gone are the days where shaming poor results is the norm; given some students backgrounds, life experiences, and socioeconomic status, it makes sense we feed and nurture our students the same as a skilled horticulturalist cares for the same plant in different climates. If our training allows for a flexible approach, while ensuring results are measured the same, we can go a long way in educating and training people of all backgrounds.

You enjoy having options, right? So do learners. It can take time to develop numerous options for an assignment/project, but I found learners reward you with fun, creative results that play to their strengths. For example: During the pandemic, I taught an online course on vocabulary and creative writing for high school students. For their final project, students could demonstrate their knowledge of vocab words by... (1) DRAMA: acting out the words (2) WRITING: composing a short story using the words (3) ART: illustrating the words. I provide a model of what each could look like, and students went above and beyond with their projects. I invite you to give it a try yourself :)

Varied Expression Options: Just as UDL supports students in showcasing their understanding in various ways, the arts enable students to express their thoughts and emotions through diverse artistic mediums, from painting to sculpture to digital media.

Flexible Engagement Strategies: UDL promotes flexible methods of engagement, accommodating different interests and preferences. In art education, this means allowing students to choose projects aligned with their passion, fostering genuine enthusiasm for creative expression.

Knowing your students before jumping into these more complex projects is ideal when possible as you can help motivate them by targeting what you know fuels their curiosity. It takes some time, but not only does it create a more authentic learning experience, it leads to a better product since the learner is invested.

Embracing Individuality: UDL celebrates each learner's uniqueness. In the arts, this resonates with the concept of personal style and artistic voice, empowering students to explore and develop their creative identity. Inclusive Learning Spaces: Just as UDL aims for inclusive learning environments, the arts advocate for safe spaces where diverse perspectives are valued. This synergy fosters an atmosphere of respect and open expression. Storytelling and Symbolism: UDL's emphasis on narratives aligns with art's intrinsic ability to convey stories, emotions, and ideas through visual symbolism. Both UDL and art leverage the power of storytelling to enhance understanding.

If the lesson is planned to account for a variety of means by which the content may be accessed, there is greater scope for adaptability as needs and preferences vary. It is important then to take on board feedback provided by the learners, to feed-forward with what you have learned and tailor the lesson in your students' best interests. Also, in taking a collaborative approach, when things do not go to plan it can be a helpful opportunity to emphasise the importance of teamwork and to develop problem-solving skills in collaboration with others. This way, learners are valued for their contribution in the processes involved in their education.

Reflection is vital for improvement. By reflecting upon both successes and failures behind, the path ahead becomes clearer as a result. It is a means of taking honest accountability for what you have done and providing the basis of what you will do next, in order to develop teaching skills and improve performance.

As educators and facilitators in learning, we need to adjust our mindsets and move away from rigid black and white thinking. Instead, we need to commit to process improvement and work towards a growth mindset in our practice and work. Just as our students are constantly learning, so are we as educators. We need to learn to be comfortable in discomfort, challenge ourselves to live in the gray, and let go control of knowing (or thinking we know) all the answers. We need to be lifelong learners and constantly evolve our strategies and practices to work towards the best learning outcomes for each student.

Collaboration and Community: UDL promotes collaborative learning experiences. Similarly, art often thrives in communal settings, where artists share ideas, critique each other's work, and collaborate on projects. Reducing Barriers to Access: UDL seeks to eliminate barriers to learning. In the fine arts, this might involve offering materials and resources that cater to various abilities, ensuring everyone can participate and thrive.

UDL is quite specific as well as diverse at the same time! For a classroom where there is a wide spectrum of students in relation to socio- economic, emotional, skill diversity and learning abilities, it is a challenge to develop a concrete plan for all the students at the same time.. I have overcome this challenge (to a great extent) by going at it piece meal. I take one set of students usually 5, each week to work on.( My class strength is usually 40). So the specifics of the lesson plan goes like a chain. Again the choice of the concept / learning goal is not the same. So the grouping has to be done carefully. Definitely, flexibility and improvisation are the key words here.

When instructors apply the principles of Universal Design for Learning to their courses, workshops, and professional development in higher education settings, entire communities reap the benefits. The university or college will see greater rates of course completion, as well as student satisfaction and sense of belonging. In the community outside of the college, these students may be/come employees, teachers, and/or entrepreneurs with a greater sense of flexibility for how their colleagues and students perceive learning, listening, and the challenges that professional training may present in their daily work life. UDL moves minds from a “one path, one solution” model to a “many ideas, many possibilities” mindset that topples barriers.