A lesson plan through the lens of UDL

Recently I created a lesson plan on using Gmail and GoogleDocs with students. After learning about the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, I went back to my lesson to analyze how well it met the diverse needs of my students. My lesson can be accessed on GoogleDocs or through Merlot .

Below is a checklist of the UDL guidelines. These are an excellent way to see if your lesson meets the diverse needs of learners to make sure that all students can learn. I have highlighted and made annotations of how these UDL principles apply to my lesson plan.

I. Provide Multiple Means of Representation 

1. Provide options for perception 

1.1 Customize the display of information 

1.2 Provide alternatives for auditory information 

1.3 Provide alternatives for visual information - FEATURE: Includes visual examples using a variety of media (text, pictures, video)

2. Provide options for language and symbols 

2.1 Define vocabulary and symbols 

2.2 Clarify syntax and structure 

2.3 Decode text or mathematical notation - BARRIER: Much of e-mail and Google Docs is text driven.

2.4 Promote cross-linguistic understanding 

2.5 Illustrate key concepts non-linguistically 

3. Provide options for comprehension 

3.1 Provide or activate background knowledge - BARRIER: For many students, this technology is new and they have no background information.

3.2 Highlight critical features, big ideas, and relationships 

3.3 Guide information processing 

3.4 Support memory and transfer

II. Provide Multiple Means of Action and 

Expression

4. Provide options for physical action 

4.1 Provide varied ways to respond - FEATURE: Students are given a variety of ways to respond to a writing prompt or assignment. Students can play to their strongest intelligence.

4.2 Provide varied ways to interact with materials 

4.3 Integrate assistive technologies 

5. Provide options for expressive skills and fluency 

5.1 Allow choices of media for communication - FEATURE: Students who are more visual or kinesthetic have alternative options like creating a presentation or recording a video skit.

5.2 Provide appropriate tools for composition and problem solving 

5.3 Provide ways to scaffold practice and performance 

6. Provide options for executive functions 

6.1 Guide effective goal setting 

6.2 Support planning and strategy development 

6.3 Facilitate managing information and resources - FEATURE: Students can save useful information for later reference.

6.4 Enhance capacity for monitoring progress - FEATURE: Students can track and monitor their progress from class or from any internet connected device.

III. Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

7. Provide options for recruiting interest 

7.1 Increase individual choice and autonomy 

7.2 Enhance relevance, value and authenticity 

7.3 Reduce threats and distractions 

8. Provide options for sustaining effort and persistence 

8.1 Heighten salience of goals and objectives 

8.2 Vary levels of challenge and support - FEATURE: Assignment allows for easier modifications and accommodations on future work.

8.3 Foster collaboration and communication - FEATURE: Students and teacher can collaborate and communicate more effectively.

8.4 Increase mastery-oriented feedback - FEATURE: Students get targeted, meaningful feedback.

9. Provide options for self-regulation 

9.1 Guide personal goal-setting and expectations 

9.2 Scaffold coping skills and strategies 

9.3 Develop self-assessment and reflection