Universal Design for Learning

Creating an inclusive teaching environment through Universal Design

Universal Design for Learning, emphasises choice in all areas of your teaching – choice with how students engage with the material, how they learn and how they are assessed.

Universal Design for Learning Guidelines were initially created by the US organisation CAST, who wanted to improve teaching and learning environments by scientifically exploring how humans learn.

 

The guidelines can be summarised into 3 main areas:

 

UDL guidelines on multiple ways to learn, teach and assess
CAST (2018). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2

 

UDL recognises and accommodates the individual learning styles, preferences and learning needs of all students. To ensure equitable access to the learning environment, academic staff should consider the diversity of the student body in the design, delivery and assessment of courses and modules. 

 

The DLSS work closely with the Teaching Enhancement Unit in DCU to promote Universal Design for Instruction which is an educational framework that applies the principles of universal design to the teaching environment.