Response to UDL Article

The article that interested me most was Universal Design for Learning – Improved Access for All by Nancy Firchow. Children learn many different ways. Some are fast learners some are not. Some need additional help or constant guidance while others seem to understand instructions the very first time and need no additional help at all. I find the UDL (Universal Design for Learning) quite intriguing. The UDL system allows students of different learning abilities and levels within a classroom to take part and responsibility in their own learning.

A teacher in a traditional classroom is limited by many factors as to what she can teach and get across to her students. She is limited by time, over-crowding in her classroom and children that require different stimuli to learn. As a result of this, teachers may choose or be forced to focus on a style of learning that can fit into the time allotted for the lesson or be useful for the highest percentage of students. For example, a teacher using only visual aids for her children often neglects children who require auditory or tactile learning. In turn, these children fall behind in class and it is blamed on the student being lazy, a slow learner or having a learning disability. While there are children with learning disabilities, the UDL model provides all children with an array of resources to learn.

The UDL is effective because it is flexible. Children can choose activities based on their strengths and interests. If the child is interested in the topic they are more likely to keep to it and learn, while a frustrated child will not. The UDL model allows students to perform their task using whatever meets their needs or piques their interest. While the children experiment with different ways to complete their tasks, they may even find they are interested in several ways of learning. Whatever the approach the child uses, the result is learning… and that after all, is the ultimate goal.