B.C. Gold Rushes
The Solution: Universal Design for Learning
In order for teachers to engage their students in topics that may not be of interest to them, but that's mandated by the Ministry of Education, they should use the Universal Design for Learning framework.
What is it?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that is intended to accommodate multiple learning styles and needs. When students' needs are met, they are much more likely to become engaged in the learning material. UDL suggests that teachers use and allow multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. It is a common misconception that UDL is only intended for students with exceptionalities, however it is a universal framework that benefits all learners. UDL provides differentiated learning experiences before-the-fact, rather than after-the-fact. This means that when teachers plan with UDL in mind, they can engage learners' minds and accommodate learners' needs before even meeting their students. When accommodations are made after-the-fact, that is called differentiating or retrofitting, which only provides alternative resources/materials for targeted students. To answer the question of how to engage students in historical topics, we are particularly interested in the multiple means of representation (materials/resources) and engagement (activities). When motivating students, we want to utilize the multiple means of expression. All three, however, overlap and should be used together as much as possible.
Testimonial
" [UDL] also opens up windows of opportunities for learners to appreciate their aptitudes, talents and gifts and for teachers to guide and nurture them in the learning activities and projects."
More Information!
Multiple Means of Engagement
In UDL, multiple means of engagement refers to the activities teachers plan to get learners involved in a topic. When multiple engagement techniques are used in the classroom, the teacher will be able to connect to all of his or her students and utilize their multiple intelligences. To effectively use multiple means of engagement you need to make sure you are using a variety of teaching strategies when it comes to students getting active with the topic (e.g. group work, sharing and comparing ideas, monitoring progress, discussions etc.)
Multiple Means of Representation
In UDL, multiple means of representation means that teachers should provide a variety of ways for students to acquire information. If a teacher provides multimodal ways of learning, he or she should reach the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners in the class. Examples of multiple means of representation are videos, photos, audio books, websites, PowerPoints, etc.
- Kathleen McClaskey
Multiple Means of Expression
In UDL, multiple means of expression refers to teachers giving students the autonomy to express their learning in a way they choose. This accommodates multiple learning styles and allows students to feel more competent. Examples of ways students can express their learning is through a small-group play, individual presentation, newspaper article, song, podcast, and many more options. Multiple means of expression makes students' possibilities limitless.
